In a stunning turn of events, a secret UK asylum program for Afghans has been thrust into the spotlight after a super-injunction was lifted. The revelation came when Defense Minister John Healey took the floor in parliament, sharing details about a scheme that remained hidden until a critical data breach exposed its inner workings.
Back in February 2022, a leaked spreadsheet revealed the names and details of nearly 19,000 Afghans who had applied for relocation to Britain. This serious departmental error occurred just six months after Taliban fighters seized Kabul, putting countless lives at risk. As Healey remarked, "This was a serious departmental error. Lives may have been at stake."
The program, initiated by the previous Conservative administration in April 2024, aimed to rescue those considered to be at the highest risk of reprisals by the Taliban. Under the Afghan Response Route, around 900 Afghans and 3,600 family members have already been relocated or are in transit, costing approximately $535 million. With an additional 600 people approved, the total estimated expenditure now reaches roughly $1.37 billion. This initiative is part of a broader effort that has seen nearly 36,000 Afghans accepted under various schemes since the power shift in Kabul in August 2021.
For young news enthusiasts, professionals, and world explorers, this unfolding story offers a powerful reminder of how government actions and data mishaps can have profound human consequences. The exposure of this secret program not only sheds light on a critical moment in asylum policy but also invites us to ponder the delicate balance between national security and human rights. Stay tuned as this dramatic chapter continues to unfold. 😱
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UK Afghan asylum scandal comes to light after super-injunction lifted
cgtn.com
