Councils play a key role in supporting arrivals from Afghanistan resettle in the UK
The current context
Councils have supported Afghans families under the two schemes outlined below. The Government announced in March 2023 that temporary bridging accommodation for those not yet in permanent accommodation close in a staggered process by 31 August 2023. Enhanced case working involving councils, Government and the community and voluntary sector was put into bridging hotels to support Afghan households find accommodation. It was further announced in July 2023 that a small number of hotels would be opened for Afghans either with medical needs or those ‘re-matched’ by councils to properties becoming available across the UK by 31 December 2023.
Those unable to find could also approach councils for homelessness support and our most recent response to the impact of this can be found at Afghan homelessness fears as LGA warns of asylum and resettlement pressures. More information is also in our research report.
As well as exiting per capita funding to support integration and accommodation, councils have access to new funding that aimed to support case working in hotels, move on and to fund potential homelessness. The Local Authority Housing Fund also has a focus on helping councils source additional homes to house Afghans.
It has also been confirmed that any future arrivals under the schemes below will be given a visa to travel to the UK only once accommodation has been identified.
Those already in the UK and arriving through both schemes will be granted immediate Indefinite Leave to Remain which gives rights to work and benefits and the option to apply for British citizenship after five years. Arrivals from Afghanistan may also continue to come to the UK to claim asylum.
Information for councils
This page will be updated as more information for councils becomes available. Please contact your Strategic Migration Partnership for more information.
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Afghanistan resettlement and immigration policy statement July 2023
- Announcement of hotel closure in Parliament, 28 March 2023
- GOV UK factsheet on government support for resettled Afghans in bridging accommodation, April 2023
- GOV.UK Information for Afghans on finding accommodation, May 2023
- GOV.UK Guidance for councils on identifying vulnerable households to be matched with available properties May 2023
- GOV.UK Existing integration funding to councils for support for Afghan households, January 2023
The role of the LGA
More information on this topic can be found on our refugees and asylum seekers page.
More information on current arrivals can be found on our data on asylum and resettlement page.
More information on our work on housing and homelessness can be found on our housing, planning and homelessness page.
Highlighted pages
Afghan homelessness fears as LGA warns of asylum and resettlement pressures
The LGA is calling for the Government to work with councils on a jointly managed, locally driven process to asylum and resettlement that properly takes into account pressures on local areas and public services.