Overview
The Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP) began on 1 March 2025. It brings together two existing schemes:
- Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) – supports vulnerable people, including those who assisted UK efforts in Afghanistan
- Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) – supports Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK Government in exposed or meaningful roles
The programme gives eligible individuals and families Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) on arrival. This allows access to public services, employment and long‑term resettlement in the UK.
Welcoming Afghan families
Following the 2021 Taliban offensive, the UK evacuated eligible people from Afghanistan through Operation Pitting. Many had worked alongside UK Government departments and the Armed Forces.
Cumberland Council is now welcoming Afghan families as part of the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP). These families arrive with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and are supported to settle safely in Cumberland and rebuild their lives in our communities.
Many of the families will have escaped an unstable, violent and traumatic life in their home country. Cumberland Council’s Global Resettlement Service and its partners, will be supporting our new residents so they can settle quickly, feel welcome and can start contributing to our community and economy.
If you would like to help support Afghan families in Cumberland, you can contact the team.
Email: [email protected]