Following the abrupt withdrawal of US, UK and other NATO troops from Afghanistan, which accelerated steeply this month, the Taliban has regained control of most of the country, including Kabul, prompting Afghan nationals to attempt to flee to neighbouring countries and abroad in large numbers.
Details are still largely thin on the ground with respect to how the Home Office intends to assist with evacuating and resettling Afghan nationals at risk, particularly those with ties to the UK, in the short and long term and we will post updates as more information becomes available.
In the meantime, British nationals and family members of British nationals in Afghanistan can contact the British consular assistance helpline on +44 1908 516 666 (or 01908 516 666 in the UK) and choose the ‘Consular services for British nationals’ option for assistance with evacuation.
You should have the following information ready:
- Full name (as it appears on their passport/ID card) or for those without a passport or ID, how they prefer to spell it
- Contact details (telephone and/or email) and where possible, this should be an Afghan direct contact number
- Date of birth
- Current location
- Occupation
- Held or applied for a UK visa and/or worked for the British government in any capacity
- If yes, what position and which department
- Any dependents and their details (same as above)
It is currently taking a long time to get through because of the high volume of calls and it is not unusual to have to call back several times, often staying on the line for long periods of time, to get through.
It may also be worth contacting your local MP for assistance.
With respect to Afghan nationals in the UK who have applied for or wish to apply for asylum, the Home Office has recently removed all but one of its country guidance documents on Afghanistan. Updated versions that reflect the current situation in Afghanistan are expected in due course.
We will post further updates as more information becomes available.