Afghan refugees who helped the UK in their home country and fled the Taliban are now stranded in Pakistan as they wait for visas to move to the UK. The refugees are living in fear as tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have risen, leading to a crackdown on migrants without visas. Many of those affected worked as translators for the British army, English teachers or on projects to promote democracy and equality in Afghanistan. The UK government has resettlement schemes for them, but they must apply from a third country for security reasons since visa applications cannot be processed in Afghanistan. As a result, refugees have been waiting for visas for up to two years.
Marzia, an English teacher who is currently eight months pregnant, is one such refugee. She has been waiting for her UK visa for eight months, but her passport was taken when she arrived in Pakistan and her visa has since expired. Marzia, along with many others affected, fear for their lives if they return to Afghanistan since they worked with the UK government. Many refugees have not been able access work or education while they wait. The UK government pays for their accommodation and food in Pakistan, but many face long waiting lists for Afghan passports and visas to leave the country.
Most of those affected did not want to be quoted or talked to the media, with fear of repercussions for their cases. Many are afraid that they or their families in Afghanistan could be targeted by the Taliban. The Taliban has an amnesty for former Afghan government soldiers, contractors and translators who worked for international forces, but some live in fear that it is a trap. The refugees want the UK government to do something quickly and transport them to the UK as they fear for their safety and mental and physical health.
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