UK to welcome 20,000 Afghans amid Taliban takeover

UK government has vowed to relocate thousands of Afghan refugees in the UK.

In the next years, up to 20,000 Afghans will be given the opportunity to settle in the United Kingdom under the new scheme.

In the first year, 5,000 refugees will be eligible, with preference given to women, girls, and those in need.

The initiative is in addition to the existing system for translators and other UK employees.

This initiative is projected to benefit 5,000 Afghans and their families.

“The prime minister emphasized the necessity of preserving the accomplishments won in Afghanistan over the last two decades, of defending ourselves against any growing terrorism threat, and of continuing to help the Afghan people.”

Ministers rushed to put this plan together in reaction to the crisis in Afghanistan, and the final outlines were approved off on Tuesday.

The initiative will give priority to those who are most in need, with the government emphasizing women and girls, as well as minorities.

Information on how to apply should be available soon.

The scheme is modeled on one that was implemented during the Syrian war and saw 20,000 people relocate to the UK between 2014 and 2021.

However, governments agree that the practicalities of transporting people out of Afghanistan will be significantly more difficult due to Taliban rule. Insiders in the government are unsure how far the new leadership will enable individuals to go if they so desire.

The resettlement initiative will be funded, and the government will collaborate with local councils and devolved governments to determine where Afghans will be housed once they arrive in the UK.

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