(MENAFN) The UK Ministry of Defence has issued a belated apology for its policy requiring Afghan citizens who worked with London during the US-led NATO occupation of their country to have their documents approved by the Taliban before applying for resettlement in Britain. The Independent revealed on Sunday that 37 applicants to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Police (ARAP) program, designed to relocate allies who worked directly with the British military during the war, were told that they would have to have their papers certified with Afghan government departments, which have been run by the Taliban since the group returned to power amid the hasty withdrawal of NATO forces in 2021.
This policy has been criticized by many, as such individuals would be seen as enemy collaborators by the Islamic fundamentalists, and the policy amounted to “asking them to sign their own death warrant," according to one UK lawmaker. The Ministry of Defence initially denied that applicants had been given any such instructions for weeks, but after the issue was brought to light, the Ministry has apologized “unreservedly for this error.” The Ministry has promised an investigation into how the life-threatening orders had been sent, as well as a review “to identify any further remedial actions needed to strengthen policies and processes.”
The UK's treatment of Afghan allies has been a topic of much debate and controversy, with many criticizing the government's handling of resettlement and evacuation efforts. The Ministry's apology highlights the seriousness of the situation and the potential danger faced by those who worked with the British military during the war in Afghanistan. It remains to be seen what further actions will be taken by the UK government to ensure the safety and well-being of its Afghan allies.
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