British evacuation efforts- Support for British and non-British nationals in Afghanistan

22 August 2021

British nationals

If you are a British national, or family member of a British national in Afghanistan you should call +44 (0)1908 516666 and select the option ‘Consular services for British nationals’.

It is extremely important that this phone number is used for people to register their need for help, not to ask for updates, which we cannot currently provide.

This phone number is monitored 24/7 by consular officers. All those who register will be contacted by one of our consular staff and we will contact British nationals for whom we have details as soon as flights from Kabul are confirmed. 

If you are able to leave Afghanistan safely by other means, you should do so immediately.

Non-British nationals

The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) is for Afghans who have supported British efforts in Afghanistan, for example interpreters and other personnel. 

Other prioritised groups

We are also prioritising the following groups:

• current or former Chevening Scholars
• people with existing leave or an open application for student, work, and family visas
• journalists and those who worked with British news agencies
• members of civil society groups for womens’ rights
• Afghan government officials
• officials working in counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics
• employees of charities, humanitarian organisations and NGOs

If you are a non-British national in Afghanistan, or are the family member of a non-British national in Afghanistan, and in need of assistance, you should call +44 (0)2475 389980.

You should be prepared to provide as many details as possible including:

• your full name as printed on your travel document / identity card or passport
• your date of birth

You should also provide these details for any dependants or immediate family members you may have such as your spouse and children.

If you are calling on behalf of any individual or individuals in Afghanistan please ensure you have the same details available as requested above to provide.

Please do not call this number to ask for updates. Call lines may be busy but we will answer your call as soon as we can.

This helpline is not providing advice on eligibility for the full Afghan citzens’ resettlement scheme and it is not for registering interest for the scheme. Please continue checking back on the Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme page for updated details of the scheme.Published 22 August 2021

Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme

The Home Office is committed to providing protection for vulnerable people fleeing Afghanistan. The Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme will welcome up to 5,000 vulnerable Afghans to the UK, who have been forced to flee the country, in its first year, with up to a total of 20,000 in the long-term.

The scheme is not yet open. Further details will be announced in due course. Please do not phone or email for updates on when this scheme will begin.

As part of the evacuation effort, we continue to work at pace to assist others facing serious risk in Afghanistan.

SOURCE: UK Visas and Immigration and Home Office