ACRS and the ARAP: What’s the difference?

ARAP Scheme

The ARAP scheme (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy started on 01 April 2021 and aimed to offer priority individuals relocation to the UK. Priority individuals are defined as any current or former member of staff employed Afghanistan in a role that is deemed to be at risk. Such roles include those part of a Government organisation and who have an LSU or CISS number provided to them by their employer. The roles include those whom the Government believes is in the most danger or who has contributed most to the UK mission in Afghanistan.

Under this scheme, individuals are encouraged to apply here, and are able to apply from any country, including Afghanistan. 

Individuals are classified into four categories: 

• Category 1 (High risk/imminent threat)
• Category 2 (Eligible for relocation by default)
• Category 3 (Not eligible for relocation)
• Category 4 (Special cases)

Under the scheme, if individuals fall into any of the categories above then they have the option to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR). Those individuals who have temporary status under scheme (i.e., 6-month visa) can apply to convert this to an ILR application. 

ACRS Scheme

ACRS (Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme) opened on 06 January 2022 and attempts to relocate those who are at significant risk from the Taliban due to other reasons. These reasons may include risk based on their gender, sexuality, or religion.  

The scheme aims to prioritise those who have assisted the UK efforts in Afghanistan namely those who have upheld the rule of law (judges, academics etc.) and vulnerable people including minority groups and LGBT members.  

There is no application process for those eligible under the ACRS, instead prioritisation and referral will be in one of the following ways:

1. Individuals who are vulnerable and who were “called forward” but were unable to board flights will be offered a place under the scheme
2. From Spring 2022, those who have fled Afghanistan will be assisted in resettlement
3. The final pathway will be those who supported the UK in their efforts in Afghanistan, as well as those who are vulnerable including minority groups, young girls and women and LGBT members. 

Those eligible under this scheme will be able to apply for British Citizenship after 5 years in the UK.