The UK has officially closed its key Afghan resettlement schemes, signalling an end to the country’s formal commitment to bring more Afghan nationals to safety following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
In a move that has drawn both criticism and concern, the government announced that the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) will no longer accept new applications as of 1 July 2025.
These schemes were launched in the wake of the chaotic Western withdrawal from Afghanistan, aiming to provide safe passage for Afghans who worked with British forces and vulnerable civilians, including women, children, and those who supported UK-led humanitarian efforts.
Since the ARAP scheme began in April 2021, over 21,000 Afghans, largely interpreters, local staff, and their families, have been relocated to the UK. Meanwhile, ACRS, which opened in January 2022, has resettled more than 12,800 people, with children accounting for over half of those arrivals.
But now, that door has closed.
“Not an Endless Process”
The government said the closure reflects a shift in priorities. Defence Secretary John Healey previously stated that these schemes could not be “an endless process”, and a new Home Office document now declares that ARAP has fulfilled its original purpose.
“Defence efforts and resources can now be focused where they are most needed, on our nation’s security, to combat the acute threats and destabilising behaviour of our adversaries,” the paper reads.
While no new applications will be accepted under ARAP or ACRS, the government stressed that existing submissions will still be processed. Notably, the Ministry of Defence is currently working through a backlog of around 22,000 decisions.
Some ACRS pathways, such as those involving separated families, will also remain open for referrals where decisions are still pending.
Closure, But Not Conclusion
The government has said it aims to “successfully honour its obligation” to complete all resettlements by the end of this Parliament, a statement that suggests no further expansion of the schemes will take place.
Critics say the closure risks abandoning many vulnerable Afghans who are still at risk of Taliban reprisals due to their past affiliations with the UK. Human rights organisations warn that the decision sends a concerning message to future allies in conflict zones.
Others have voiced concern that the UK’s exit strategy leaves thousands stranded in limbo, particularly as the backlog continues to swell.
What Comes Next?
While the formal resettlement schemes may be drawing to a close, the moral responsibility remains, say campaigners. With thousands of Afghans still hiding in fear or stuck in third countries, the end of these programmes raises urgent questions about the UK’s long-term duty to those it once relied on.
