Recent events in Afghanistan have left many women, children and men in the country feeling vulnerable and fearing for their lives.
Many Afghan nationals have managed to leave the country, with some now seeking to rebuild their lives in the UK.
West Sussex County Council (WSCC) is committed to keeping people safe from dangerous situations, which is why we’re working hard, together with our partners, to welcome people arriving in the UK from Afghanistan who are in urgent need of protection. We’re doing this under the cross-government effort Operation Warm Welcome, which includes the:
- Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)
- Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS).
The schemes offer relocation and other assistance to current and former locally employed staff who worked alongside British forces in Afghanistan and to Afghan citizens who have fled their country.
Together with our district and borough council partners, we have helped to resettle families in West Sussex under both schemes. We will continue to work closely with all our partners to support those families already within the county. We are also ready to respond to any widening in scope for the existing refugee resettlement programme as the situation evolves.
Our priority is to find self-contained, long-term accommodation for people and families looking to rebuild their lives in West Sussex. If you have, or know of anyone who has affordable properties available for rent for at least 12 months, please get in touch by emailing: refugee.resettlement@westsussex.gov.uk.
Further information is available on GOV.UK about how you can help, such as providing housing or by volunteering.