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Free English courses offered to families of Afghan interpreters to help them settle in UK
The Inews reported, the families of Afghan interpreters who have fled the Taliban to the UK will be offered free English courses as part of a package to help them settle in their new home.
More than 8,000 Afghans and their families have been evacuated from Kabul airport since 13 August under the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme.
According to the Inews, the new support programme, dubbed Operation Warm Welcome, aims to help the refugees integrate into British society and will be overseen by Victoria Atkins who will become Afghan resettlement minister.
It said, the programme will include ensuring access to health and education services, as well as support into work and accommodation.
A central hub will also be created where organisations and individuals can register to give their support, after there was an outpouring of offers to support those coming to the UK.
This could be volunteering, jobs, professional skills, trauma support, or donations.
The free English lessons will be provided as although many Afghan interpreters coming to the UK may have good English skills, their families may not.
According to the Inews, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “For those who have left their homes with no more than a small bag of belongings, and in fear for their lives, coming to the UK will no doubt have been a daunting experience, but also one of hope for the future.
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“I am determined that we welcome them with open arms and that my Government puts in place the support they need to rebuild their lives. We will never forget the brave sacrifice made by Afghans who chose to work with us, at great risk to themselves. We owe them, and their families, a huge debt.”
Ms Atkins, who alongside her new role remains as minister for safeguarding, said: “We owe so much to the people of Afghanistan who worked side by side with us.
“I look forward to helping them, their families and other vulnerable people whom we resettle over the coming years to recover from their trauma and build a new life here.”
Home Secretary Priti Patel added: “Our message to those who have already arrived, welcome – we are glad you are here and you will be treasured members of our communities.”
The support package announcement comes after all UK troops and diplomatic personnel were pulled out of Kabul on Saturday, marking the end of the evacuation effort.
Source: inews
