Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy applications have been awaiting an initial eligibility decision for more than (a) three, (b) six, (c) 12, (d) 18 and (e) 24 months.

HMG knows who worked for, or alongside the UK Government in Afghanistan. We have therefore rightly prioritised the way we process ARAP applications by identifying those we know to be eligible and in need of our support.

The Ministry of Defence has, through the recruitment of more caseworkers and improved processes, made significant progress in processing ARAP applications. This has resulted in over 58,000 decisions being issued to applicants in the last three months.

As of 5 September 2023, 2,026 Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) applicants are awaiting an eligibility decision. Of these:

a) 38 have been awaiting an eligibility decision for more than three months;

b) 98 have been waiting more than six months;

c) 214 have been waiting more than 12 months;
d) 364 have been waiting more than 18 months; and

e) 745 have been waiting more than 24 months.

In addition, there are 567 ARAP applicants who have been awaiting an eligibility decision for less than three months.

We are working at pace to resolve the small number of remaining complex cases, of which many require consultation with other Government Departments.