As-salamu alaykum.

I am writing this email to all of my constituents who have contacted me for help because their family, friends and other loved ones are currently in danger in Afghanistan.

As I am sure you will have seen, the UK media have reported that evacuation flights could end within the next 24 hours. This will be a result of Boris Johnson and the Government’s failure to secure an extension of the deadline of the 31 August. At the same time, actions by the Taliban to prevent Afghans from travelling to the international airport appear to be increasing.

I know hearing this will be a terrible blow to you. I am angered and deeply saddened by this situation, which I urged the Government to avoid. However, I am afraid there is little that can now be done to prevent these life-saving flights from ending far too soon.

Please be assured, I remain in contact with a number of Government departments regarding your family’s cases. I have requested urgent responses from the Home Office and asked what steps can be taken to assist your families. Unfortunately, we have had no responses from the Government thus far.

I understand that the lack of information from the Government will be adding to the overwhelming anguish and worry you are experiencing. I will continue to try to get responses from the Government on what they are going to do to assist you and your families. My office is a small team, so I would ask for your assistance in not contacting me to chase updates, unless there is a change in circumstances that I need to be aware of. If I do receive an update about your family’s case, please know I will be touch as soon as possible.

The Government have repeatedly told me that the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme will open as soon as possible, and that they are seeking to create processing centres in countries neighbouring Afghanistan. I would urge you to regularly check to keep checking the gov.uk website for updates on the Resettlement Scheme. It is also advisable that you speak to a qualified immigration specialist about what options are available to you and your family at this time. You can find advisers near you here.

Please be assured that even when the evacuation flights end, I will continue to call upon the Government to provide safe routes out of Afghanistan for your family and loved ones.

I hope to be in touch with you very soon when we have received further updates from the Government.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Best wishes,

Afzal

Afzal Khan, Member of Parliament for Manchester Gorton

Link to Instagram Link to Twitter Link to YouTube Link to Facebook Link to LinkedIn Link to Snapchat Close Fax Website Location Phone Email Calendar Building Search