London, February 2025: The British Ministry of Defense (MoD) has confirmed that British special forces have almost 2,000 Afghan commandos' asylum applications rejectedThese Afghan commandos fought alongside British and NATO forces against the Taliban in Afghanistan and were trained by the British Army. But their asylum applications were rejected due to the strictness of the UK's immigration policy and the special forces' investigation.
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has confirmed that British special forces have rejected the asylum applications of around 2,000 Afghan commandos who fought alongside British forces against the Taliban. However, their applications were rejected following a review by the special forces.
One possible reason for this decision could be the ongoing investigation into allegations of war crimes against British special forces in Afghanistan. Special forces members could give evidence in this investigation, which could play a role in the rejection of their applications.
However, a recent review has found that around 500 Afghan special forces members have worked directly under the UK government. As a result, their asylum applications are being reconsidered, and they may be eligible for resettlement in the UK.
This crisis is raising questions not only about the strictness of Britain's immigration policy, but also about the extent to which its promise to protect allies in times of war is being kept.
Reasons for rejection of asylum application
A statement from the MoD said there were several reasons behind the rejection of this application:
- National security concerns: The UK government reviews asylum seekers' backgrounds and any potential security threats. The MoD claims that some applicants may have previously been involved with the Taliban or other militant groups, although many have claimed to have worked for the British military.
- War crimes investigation against British forces: Some UK intelligence agencies were hesitant to grant their request, as British troops have been accused of war crimes in Afghanistan and Afghan commandos who testified in the inquiry may have played a role.
- UK immigration policy and administrative complexities: After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, the British government Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) The program was launched with the aim of providing safe haven for Afghans working with British forces. But the process was slow and complicated, resulting in the rejection of many eligible applicants.
Commandos' response
Many Afghan soldiers working for British forces are now at risk of Taliban reprisals, with many saying their lives would be in serious danger if they were not allowed to enter the UK.
A former Afghan commando who served for five years with the British forces said,
"We fought shoulder to shoulder with British soldiers. Now our lives are at risk, but the UK is not recognizing us."
UK political response
This issue has sparked controversy in British political circles. The opposition Labour Party strongly criticized this decision and said that, "It is a moral failure for us to abandon those who fought for us."
Meanwhile Conservative government Claiming that they are only "Those whose applications are valid and free from security concerns" Accepting them.
The UK's next steps
The applications of 500 Afghan special forces members are currently being considered for reconsideration. It is reported that the British government may develop a new policy for their resettlement.
However, the future of those who have already gone into hiding for fear of Taliban reprisals remains uncertain.
