LONDON: The United Kingdom has initiated a mission to relocate thousands of Afghan refugees who collaborated with British forces to Britain from Pakistan.
Armed Forces Minister James Heappey expressed gratitude for the relocation of the initial 1,500 Afghans, stating that the UK owed them an “enormous debt.”
Operation Lazurite commenced in early October, aiming to relocate all eligible Afghans in Pakistan to the UK. The decision followed the UK’s cessation of funding hotels for Afghans in Britain in November 2022, requiring them to secure accommodation independently before relocation.
As of now, around 1,300 eligible Afghans remain in Islamabad, while 2,700 others are trapped in Afghanistan or residing in other parts of Pakistan. The Ministry of Defense plans to conclude the operation by the end of 2023.
Heappey assured that eligibility decisions are nearly finalized, expressing gratitude to councils, communities, and the Pakistan government for their support.
Of the relocated Afghans, 1,100 are currently at the Garats Hay army base near Loughborough, with 700 houses earmarked for longer-term settlement, including 500 guaranteed for families for up to three years. The MoD is collaborating with local councils and private landlords for the resettlement process.
