Changes to UK visa and settlement rules after the 2025 immigration white paper
Frequently asked questions about the UK government's immigration white paper proposals in 2025, including a longer qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain.

Many MPs receive enquiries from constituents asking how relatives or friends in Afghanistan might be able to come to the UK and the effectiveness of the resettlement and relocation schemes for Afghan nationals are under regular scrutiny.
UK immigration schemes for Afghan nationals (884 KB , PDF)
There are two immigration routes for people affected by the situation in Afghanistan: the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme and the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy. Around 30,000 people had come to the UK under these schemes by the end of September 2024.
People who aren’t eligible and whose circumstances don’t warrant an application for permission outside the immigration rules must apply under one of the general UK visa routes to be able to come to the UK, for example as a worker, student or family member. There aren’t any functioning UK visa application centres in Afghanistan. Afghans can apply for a UK visa from a neighbouring country if it is safe to travel and they have the relevant travel documents and permissions to enter.
The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) was launched in January 2022 with the aim of resettling up to 20,000 people in the UK over the following few years. Around 12,400 people had arrived under the scheme by the end of September 2024. Most arrived in summer 2021 during the UK’s military-led evacuation exercise, Operation Pitting.
A person must meet the requirements of one of three ‘referral pathways’ to be eligible under the ACRS. Each pathway has distinct criteria and processes.
Some Afghan civilians (and family members) who were previously employed by the British government and fear reprisals may be eligible for relocation in the UK through the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) scheme.
It is open to any current or former staff employed by HM Government in Afghanistan since 2001 who are assessed to be at serious risk of threat to life. Eligibility is regardless of employment status, rank or role, or length of time served. The scheme is open-ended and there is no limit on how many places are available.
17,956 people had been relocated to the UK under the ARAP scheme by the end of September 2024. The Ministry of Defence is reviewing around 2,000 ineligibility decisions relating to former members of Afghan specialist units.
Issues raised in the last Parliament about the effectiveness of the UK’s immigration provisions for Afghans include:
UK immigration schemes for Afghan nationals (884 KB , PDF)
Frequently asked questions about the UK government's immigration white paper proposals in 2025, including a longer qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain.
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