Uk Defence Policy And Its Application In Afghanistan: A Complex Strategy

The UK's foreign policy towards Afghanistan is largely driven by the need to combat violent extremism and promote regional stability. The UK aims to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorist groups like al-Qaeda and to support the Afghan government in its efforts to establish peace and improve governance, economic development, and human rights. To achieve these goals, the UK has deployed military forces, provided economic assistance, and engaged in diplomatic efforts.

The UK has also prioritised the evacuation and resettlement of British nationals and eligible Afghans, such as those who worked with the UK government, through schemes like the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme (ACRS).

The UK's approach to Afghanistan has evolved over time, adapting to changing circumstances and the withdrawal of US and NATO forces. The UK continues to work with international partners to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis, counter terrorism, and support the Afghan people.

The UK's policy on relocating and assisting Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK government

The UK's Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) is designed to assist Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK government in Afghanistan and are now facing intimidation or threats to their lives as a result. The policy was introduced on 1 April 2021 and offers relocation to the UK for those deemed eligible by the Ministry of Defence and suitable for relocation by the Home Office. The ARAP scheme is open-ended and has no limit on the number of people eligible.

Eligibility for the ARAP scheme is determined by the nature of the applicant's role and the level of risk they face. Those who worked in roles that were essential to the success of UK operations in Afghanistan, such as interpreters, cultural advisors, embassy corporate services, and development roles, are eligible for relocation. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate that their safety is at risk due to public recognition of their work with the UK.

The ARAP scheme provides eligible Afghans and their families with indefinite leave to remain in the UK, granting them access to work, welfare benefits, healthcare, and public housing. The UK government has affirmed its commitment to honouring the service of these Afghan citizens and protecting them from harm by the Taliban.

In addition to the ARAP scheme, the UK has also launched the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). This scheme prioritises those who have assisted UK efforts in Afghanistan and stood up for values such as democracy, women's rights, and freedom of speech. It also focuses on vulnerable individuals, including women, girls, and members of minority groups at risk. The ACRS aims to resettle 5,000 people in its first year and up to 20,000 over the coming years.

The UK's response to the situation in Afghanistan has included military evacuations, such as Operation Pitting, which evacuated approximately 15,000 people to safety, and the establishment of support schemes like ARAP and ACRS. These initiatives reflect the UK's commitment to providing protection and assistance to those impacted by the crisis in Afghanistan.

The UK's military operation to support the drawdown of British nationals from Afghanistan

Operation Pitting was commanded from the UK's Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood and involved more than 1,000 military personnel, including soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade. The operation ran concurrently with similar evacuation efforts by other countries. The UK established an airbridge between the UK and Afghanistan, with stopovers taking place in the United Arab Emirates.

The operation was authorised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and began with approximately 600 military personnel. The UK troops provided logistical support and force protection, as well as cooperating with US forces to secure Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport. The operation also included a small team from the Home Office, who assisted the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in Kabul with processing visas and other travel documents.

The UK urged British nationals to leave Afghanistan immediately due to the deteriorating security situation. The UK provided support to help British nationals leave, including emergency travel documents and loans. British nationals were advised to call the British Embassy in Kabul to discuss their departure plans.

The UK's resettlement schemes for Afghan civilians

The UK has implemented several resettlement schemes to assist Afghan civilians, focusing on those who worked with UK forces and those at risk of persecution by the Taliban. Here is an overview of these schemes:

The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)

The ARAP scheme was launched on 1 April 2021, replacing the previous intimidation policy and ex-gratia scheme. It offers relocation to the UK for current or former locally employed staff who are assessed to be under serious threat to life due to their work with the UK government. The scheme is open-ended and has no quota on the number of eligible individuals. Eligibility criteria include Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK government in exposed or meaningful roles. The Ministry of Defence assesses eligibility, and the Home Office makes the final decision on relocation. Applicants can include their partners, dependent children, and additional family members in their application. Those relocated under ARAP receive indefinite leave to remain in the UK and can apply for British citizenship after five years.

The Ex-Gratia Redundancy and Resettlement Scheme

This scheme was established in 2012 after the UK announced the withdrawal of British combat forces from Afghanistan. It aimed to provide redundancy packages and resettlement support for locally employed civilians who assisted British forces. To be eligible, individuals had to work directly for the UK government on a specific date and have served for more than 12 months. This scheme was criticised for its arbitrary eligibility criteria and failure to consider those who resigned due to safety concerns. It ran until November 2022.

The Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)

The ACRS was formally opened on 6 January 2022, aiming to resettle up to 20,000 Afghans over several years, with a focus on those remaining in Afghanistan or the region. The scheme prioritises two groups: those who have assisted UK efforts and supported values such as democracy and women's rights, and vulnerable individuals, including women, girls, and members of minority groups at risk. Eligible people are referred for resettlement through three pathways, including referrals from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and international partners. Those resettled through ACRS receive indefinite leave to remain, access to benefits, and the right to work. They can apply for British citizenship after five years.

Operation Pitting

Operation Pitting was a military evacuation conducted in August 2021, evacuating British citizens and some Afghan nationals from Afghanistan. It included family members of British or Afghan nationals in the UK, individuals eligible under relocation schemes, and other vulnerable cases. The UK government granted evacuees indefinite leave to remain and is committed to ensuring they have the necessary support to start their new lives in the country.

The UK's humanitarian aid to Afghanistan

The UK has been one of the largest donors of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, pledging £286 million in 2021-22 and 2022-23, making it the country's largest bilateral assistance programme. In March 2023, the UK committed to providing £100 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in 2023-24, £75 million of which will be spent on humanitarian support.

• Provide life-saving food and emergency health support.
• Support basic services such as improving access to healthcare.
• Help farmers overcome the impact of drought.
• Support food security and protection interventions.
• Increase preparedness for winter.
• Support the most vulnerable, including girls and women as well as marginalised religious minorities.
• Help British nationals, dual nationals, and those Afghans who worked for the UK government to leave Afghanistan.

The UK has also supported British nationals, dual nationals, and those Afghans who worked for the UK government to leave Afghanistan. In August 2021, the UK government sent Rapid Deployment Teams to Kabul to support UK staff on the ground to process and arrange these departures.

The UK has also introduced resettlement schemes to welcome vulnerable Afghans, including women, children, and members of minority groups, to resettle in the UK.

The UK's foreign policy objectives towards Afghanistan

• Stability and Security: The UK aims to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for terrorist organisations like al-Qaeda and other extremist groups that pose a threat to the UK and its interests. This involves working closely with the Afghan government, regional partners, and international allies to stabilise the country and ensure it does not descend into chaos, which could provide a breeding ground for terrorism.
• Countering Violent Extremism: Violent extremism in Afghanistan poses a direct threat to UK interests, regional stability, and the lives of civilians and security personnel. The UK seeks to work with its allies to reduce this threat and promote long-term stability in the region. This includes supporting the Afghan government in countering extremist groups and strengthening its security forces.
• Good Governance and Economic Development: The UK recognises that instability and extremism hinder good governance and economic progress in Afghanistan. By assisting the Afghan government in tackling these issues, the UK aims to create an environment conducive to economic growth and development. This includes supporting initiatives to improve governance, reduce corruption, and enhance the rule of law.
• Human Rights: The UK is committed to promoting and protecting human rights in Afghanistan, particularly for women, girls, and minority groups. This includes supporting initiatives to advance gender equality, ensure access to education, and protect vulnerable populations from human rights abuses.
• Humanitarian Assistance: The UK has provided significant humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, especially in response to the recent Taliban takeover and the resulting humanitarian crisis. This aid aims to address urgent needs, such as food insecurity, healthcare, and protection for vulnerable populations.
• Resettlement Schemes: The UK has established resettlement schemes, such as the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens' Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), to provide relocation and assistance to Afghans who worked with or for the UK government and those at risk due to their association with the UK.
• Counter-Narcotics Efforts: The UK has been involved in counter-narcotics efforts in Afghanistan, recognising the negative impact of the drug trade on security, governance, and development. However, there have been debates about the effectiveness of these efforts, and the UK has emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes of the drug economy.
• Regional Cooperation: The UK supports regional cooperation and dialogue between Afghanistan and its neighbours to promote stability and economic development. It encourages Afghanistan's integration into regional organisations and seeks to foster a collective commitment to non-intervention and economic cooperation.
• Diplomatic Engagement: The UK maintains diplomatic relations with Afghanistan and engages in dialogue with the Taliban government, primarily on issues such as aid delivery, terrorism, and human rights. However, the UK does not officially recognise the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

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