You want to make a donation to support refugees in the UK
Refugee Council’s expert teams are working hard to help hundreds of Afghans including translators and military support staff who have made it to the UK. Donate today and you could help provide life-changing services for refugees arriving in the UK who have lost everything.
You or your friends or family want to leave Afghanistan
The UK Government is assisting Afghans who have worked with them to come to the UK. You can find out if you are eligible here.
The UK Government has opened a new resettlement scheme for Afghans – Afghan Citizen Resettlement Scheme (ACRS). An initial announcement was made on 6th January 2022 confirming how Afghans who arrived as a result of the evacuation would be granted status under the scheme under pathway 1 of the scheme. A further announcement was then made on the 13th June 2022, which included further details of how people at risk in Afghanistan or in the region would be able to access the scheme under pathways 2 and 3. Please see here for guidance and further information.
The UK Government has set up a helpline for non-British nationals in Afghanistan who may be at risk. You can find out the latest information here. Please note: this helpline may be very busy so please keep trying if you are unable to get through.
The UNHCR has published information for people in Afghanistan.
The UNHCR has published information for Afghans arriving in Iran.
The UNHCR has published information for Afghans arriving in Pakistan.
You are unable to contact family in Afghanistan
The British Red Cross provides an Internal Family Tracing service. If your relatives are not answering normal communications such as telephone, email or mobile, Red Cross may be able to help. Please contact your nearest British Red Cross office and tell them they would like to contact a family member.
You are an Afghan who has been evacuated to the UK
The UK Government has published a website to provide information on your rights an entitlements in the UK.
The UK Government have also set up a helpline for Afghans living in temporary hotel accommodation. The helpline provides information on the support available to you. Please dial 0247 538 9980 and press ‘Option 1’ when asked to do so.
A new free service called the Afghan Pro Bono Initiative has been set up to provide legal advice to people who arrived under the ARAP or ACRS scheme.
You are an Afghan living in the UK and have made an asylum claim
If you have been refused but your appeal has not been heard you may wish to speak to your legal rep to ensure the latest information is heard by the judge.
If you are appeal rights exhausted and/or have been issued with removal directions it is important that you seek legal advice. If you need advice or to get a new legal representative, these organisations can provide you with help to understand your options and access a legal representative.
Ask if you qualify for free legal advice (legal aid) before paying for it.
If you are destitute you can contact our Infoline on 0808 196 7272 to access support services in your area.
You live in the UK and want to offer support
You can help refugees rebuild shattered lives in safety here in the UK by donating to our ongoing efforts.
We work with hundreds of volunteers to support refugees and people seeking asylum. If you are interested in volunteering with us, you can view our opportunities here.
Our friends at IMIX have produced a helpful list of actions you can take here and abroad to support Afghans.
The UK Government have set up a webpage to allow members of public to offer their support in the form of accommodation, fostering and donated goods.
