Muhammad was airlifted out of Afghanistan when the United Kingdom agreed the return of the Taliban in August 2021 put him in danger, yet a loophole in humanitarian regulations means he is not considered a refugee.
As a result, two years after the chaotic evacuation at Kabul airport, the civil engineer is still separated from the wife and two children he was forced to leave behind — despite U.K. officials telling him “don’t worry” when he left without them.
Now NGOs are condemning this “unacceptable” flaw in the U.K.’s treatment of almost all of the 24,600 Afghans allowed into the country, many of whom — like Muhammad, who asked not to reveal his full name to protect his family — gave their support to the invading U.S.-led coalition.
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About the author
Rob Merrick
Rob Merrick is the U.K. Correspondent for Devex, covering FCDO and British aid. He reported on all the key events in British politics of the past 25 years from Westminster, including the financial crash, the Brexit fallout, the "Partygate" scandal, and the departures of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Rob has worked for The Independent and the Press Association and is a regular commentator on TV and radio. He can be reached at rob.merrick@devex.com.
