The UK government continues to operate a humanitarian programme to resettle Afghans at risk of persecution under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), which was formally launched in 2022. This scheme addresses the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where many face persecution, violence, and human rights abuses.

The ACRS remains distinct from the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), which is specifically for current and former locally employed staff who worked for the UK government or British armed forces in Afghanistan. Afghan nationals who require protection but do not qualify for ARAP may still be eligible for the ACRS. 

Additionally, the ACRS is separate from the standard asylum process, which applies to those who have already fled Afghanistan and are in the UK or a third country.

What is the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme?

 The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) is a vital humanitarian programme created to provide protection to up to 20,000 vulnerable Afghans, enabling them to resettle and build a secure future in the UK. Officially launched in 2022, the ACRS builds upon the successful framework of the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS), which resettled over 20,000 Syrian refugees between 2014 and 2020.

The ACRS is specifically designed to prioritise individuals who are at risk of severe human rights violations and persecution in Afghanistan. This includes those facing threats from the ongoing humanitarian crisis, such as women, minorities, and activists. Additionally, the scheme takes into account Afghans who have established connections to the UK, such as family ties or former affiliations with UK-based organisations, ensuring a broad approach to identifying and helping those in need.

By providing a safe and legal pathway, the ACRS offers vulnerable Afghans the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity in the UK. Those accepted under the scheme are granted a five-year humanitarian protection visa, granting them the right to work, study, and access essential public services and benefits. After completing the five-year period, beneficiaries are eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR), offering them the chance to secure long-term stability and eventually citizenship in the UK.

To further aid integration, the ACRS provides comprehensive support to help individuals and families settle into their new lives. This includes access to accommodation, financial assistance, English language classes, and tailored integration services. These measures ensure that those resettled through the ACRS are equipped with the resources and skills necessary to contribute positively to UK society, while also creating a sense of belonging and community.

Who can apply for the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme?

The ACRS is not open for direct applications. Instead, the UK government collaborates with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international partners to identify and refer eligible individuals. Once referred, the UK government conducts security and medical checks before issuing visas.

Priority is given to those most at risk of persecution by the Taliban, including women, religious and ethnic minorities, human rights activists, journalists, and LGBT+ individuals. The scheme also includes Afghans with connections to the UK, such as former UK students and those with family members residing in the UK.

However, the ACRS is not intended for individuals who have already fled Afghanistan and are in a third country, such as Pakistan or Iran. In such cases, the UK advises registering with the UNHCR for protection. Similarly, the scheme does not apply to those already in the UK who have claimed asylum or hold another immigration status. Vulnerable individuals in the UK must follow the standard asylum process.

Our team at Axis Solicitors Limited is here to guide and assist you with any asylum or immigration applications.

How to apply for the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme?

As of 2025, the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) remains inaccessible for direct individual applications. The UK government continues to collaborate with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other international partners to identify and refer eligible Afghans for this vital humanitarian programme. Once referrals have been made, the UK government conducts thorough security and medical checks to ensure applicants meet the necessary requirements before issuing visas to those accepted.

For Afghan nationals currently in Afghanistan and in need of protection, it is essential to contact the UNHCR or a recognised humanitarian organisation. These organisations play a crucial role in evaluating individual circumstances, assessing the level of risk, and determining eligibility for inclusion in the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme. If you meet the criteria, they will facilitate your referral, providing you with a potential pathway towards safety and stability.

The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme, launched in response to ongoing humanitarian challenges, underscores the UK’s commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and families. By prioritising those most at risk of persecution, the programme aims to offer a lifeline to those facing significant danger, while maintaining rigorous processes to ensure fairness and safety for all involved.

If you are an Afghan national residing in the UK and have a family member or close connection in Afghanistan who needs protection, you may be able to sponsor them under the ACRS, provided they are eligible. To ensure the best outcome, we recommend consulting a legal representative who can liaise with the Home Office on your behalf and provide expert guidance throughout the process. Axis Solicitors is available to provide a free initial assessment and professional support.

How can Axis Solicitors help you with your application?

Axis Solicitors Limited is a prominent UK immigration law firm specialising in immigration and asylum matters. Our experienced team of solicitors can:

• Advise on your eligibility and options under the ACRS or ARAP.
• Suggest alternative immigration routes if more suitable for your circumstances.
• Assist with the application process, including document preparation, evidence submission, and communication with the Home Office and UNHCR.
• Support you through appeals or judicial reviews, should they arise during the process.

If you are interested in applying for the ACRS or need further information, contact Axis Solicitors for a free initial assessment. We will evaluate your case and recommend the best course of action. Let our expert team guide you and your family towards starting a new life in the UK.