Photo: The Independent

Case of former Afghan Air Force pilot facing deportation to Rwanda reaches the White House

The White House has intervened in the case of a former Afghan Air Force pilot facing deportation to Rwanda, vowing to investigate his situation while the UK government’s decision remains delayed.

The air force lieutenant, praised by his supervisor as a “patriot to his nation,” sought refuge in the UK after actively participating in combat missions alongside UK and US forces. Faced with the collapse of Kabul, he embarked on a treacherous journey in a small boat, deeming it “impossible” to find a safe and legal route.

A multitude of military chiefs, celebrities, and politicians across the political spectrum in Britain have rallied behind The Independent newspaper’s campaign to grant the pilot asylum. Notable supporters include General Sir Richard Dannatt, former head of the British army; George Robertson, former head of NATO; Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party; and Sir Iain Duncan Smith, former Conservative Party leader.

Despite the widespread support, the UK government has been slow to reach a decision on his asylum request.

According to The Independent, the White House spokesperson John Kirby, who serves as the strategic communications coordinator for the US National Security Council, has pledged to investigate the pilot’s potential eligibility for asylum in the United States. This development further intensifies the pressure on the UK government to take prompt action.

When questioned about the deportation of veterans from Afghanistan who fought alongside coalition forces, including the case of the pilot in the UK, Kirby stated, “It’s the first I’ve heard of it, so we’ll have to look into it, to check it out.” Military leaders argue that the UK bears a responsibility to assist the pilot rather than compelling him to seek refuge elsewhere. They believe that the US intervention should bolster the pressure on the UK government to make the right decision.

The pilot’s information has been forwarded to the White House, and officials are actively exploring avenues through which the US Department of State can offer assistance. Kirby underscored the Biden administration’s commitment to resettling Afghan citizens who fought alongside coalition forces, stating, “We continue to work to bring our Afghan allies out of Afghanistan and into the country. We firmly believe that this responsibility and obligation must be upheld.”

Kirby emphasised that the US has already welcomed over 100,000 refugees from Afghanistan, underscoring the unwavering dedication of the Biden administration to aiding courageous Afghans and their families in their escape from Afghanistan. He encouraged individuals seeking asylum in the United States to utilize the existing legal pathways, highlighting the eligibility of former Afghan allies to seek asylum through established processes such as the “Enduring Welcome” program.

The case of the former Afghan Air Force pilot has become a front-page campaign by The Independent newspaper. Photo: The Independent

The pilot submitted an asylum application to the US shortly after the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021. Despite his former American supervisors directly forwarding his information to the US embassy, he received no response and was eventually compelled to flee Afghanistan due to fears for his life. The pilot maintains that he represents one of many Afghan forces personnel who have been “forgotten” by the US and British forces they served alongside. He believes that the promise of “friendship and cooperation” has been forsaken by leaders in Washington and London.

The UK Home Office informed the pilot that his asylum claim might be dismissed due to his transit through several European countries before reaching the UK. Consequently, he now faces the threat of deportation to Rwanda. UK defense ministers have indicated that he, along with other members of the Afghan air force, would not qualify “in principle” for assistance.

Lord Dannatt, former head of the UK armed forces, strongly criticized the situation, declaring, “Right-thinking people in the US, like those in the UK, can see the justice in supporting this Afghan pilot to rebuild his life in a safe and secure country.” The involvement of the White House in the matter is anticipated to expedite the government’s decision and alleviate the concerns surrounding the pilot’s future.