KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Around 500 elite Afghan soldiers who fought alongside British forces are now eligible to settle in the UK after their previously rejected applications were overturned, according to the Guardian.
The reassessment, which began in February, revealed new evidence showing that many of these veterans had been employed and paid by the UK government, contradicting earlier claims that no such records existed.
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard told the House of Commons that approximately 25% of the 2,000 rejected cases had valid evidence of UK employment. He noted that inconsistencies in the Afghan resettlement scheme under the previous government led to flawed decisions, which the review now aims to correct.
The veterans include members of the elite 333 and 444 units who worked closely with British forces during the UK’s military operations in Afghanistan. Many have been in hiding from the Taliban since the group seized power in 2021, while others fled to Pakistan, where they risk deportation. At least six Afghan soldiers have reportedly been killed by the Taliban for collaborating with the British.
The review found financial records confirming that UK payments were made to members of Afghan special units, establishing their direct employment relationship. This has led to the overturning of hundreds of previously denied applications, making more veterans eligible for UK residency.
The issue is linked to a wider public inquiry into allegations of unlawful killings by British special forces in Afghanistan, raising the possibility that Afghan veterans could provide testimony. However, Pollard emphasized that the overturning of cases was due to newly uncovered financial evidence, not related to the inquiry.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, the UK has launched multiple schemes to resettle Afghans who supported British forces. Over 12,000 Afghans have so far been granted indefinite leave to remain in the UK, including around 400 members of the 333 and 444 units.
While defending the previous government’s efforts, Pollard admitted that the system’s failure was unacceptable and stressed the need for better support for at-risk individuals.
