For the fourth time, Afghan refugee families in the UK face eviction

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
16 May 2023 11:01

Since being flown from Kabul to the UK in August 2021, Afghan refugee families are once again forced to uproot their lives in Yorkshire and relocate away.

Fire breaks out outside a hotel providing refuge to asylum seekers, following a protest, in Knowsley, near Liverpool, Britain, Feb. 10, 2023 (Reuters)

Afghan refugee families, who were forced by the Home Office to uproot their lives in London and relocate 200 miles away earlier this year, have been issued with eviction notices in the name of Suella Braverman.

Since being flown from Kabul to the UK in August 2021, some of the families have been forced to relocate four times, often leaving behind employment and educational institutions. Originally, they were invited to the UK as part of Operation Pitting because at least one family member worked for the British authorities, thinking that staying in Afghanistan would put their lives in danger.

They previously lost doctors’ appointments, operations, and jobs because of the move.

The letters were sent out after the UK government said in March that it would remove all 24,500 Afghans from hotels or temporary bridging housing this year and that they must accept the Home Office's first offer of housing.

The letters said: “For the avoidance of doubt, if possession is not delivered upon by the notice date, you will be a trespasser and the secretary of state for the home department shall be at liberty to evict you from the property.”

The families reported that they have tried to locate housing on their own but have run into difficulties due to the Home Office's and local councils' cumbersome bureaucracy.

The residents said the Home Office was supposed to locate the family housing in a prior letter that was given to the families.

The letter, sent last Thursday, says: “When you receive a housing offer from us, it is strongly advised that you accept so that you can start your settled life in the UK.”

But on Saturday, representatives from the Home Office warned that the hotel's residents might not be given any other options and could have to find housing on their own.

It is worth noting that the United States and its various Western allies, including the United Kingdom, are behind many war crimes in Afghanistan, which they committed as part of their 20-year-long occupation of the country.