Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 16 November 2021 to Question 72439, on Afghanistan: Refugees, what constitutes fulfilment of the criteria terms of Category 4 applications (a) special cases, (b) extraordinary and unconventional contexts, (c) alongside the Government and (d) locally employed staff.

We owe a debt of gratitude to all Afghan nationals who risked their lives working alongside UK forces. As such, the ARAP Scheme has been one of the most generous relocation programmes in the world. It is not time-limited and will endure, facilitating the relocation of eligible Afghans and their families, from third countries if possible.

It may be helpful if I explain that special cases, means that applications are considered on individual circumstances and eligibility is determined by those circumstances, and not solely as a result of membership of a particular group.

Extraordinary and unconventional contexts are subjective and therefore not subject to a comprehensive definition. All require assessment on a case-by-case basis and all Category 4 approvals are confirmed by Ministers.

Alongside the Government refers to those who have made a material contribution to the UK's defence and security and in the delivery of HMG's mission in Afghanistan, but who were not directly employed by HMG.

Locally employed staff refers to those who were directly employed by HMG, rather than via a contractor.