A number of British Council workers in Afghanistan’s regions, who were employed to promote English values and the language, have been denied settlement visas to the UK. This, despite being branded ‘infidels’ at their local mosques and many afraid for their and their families’ lives since the Taliban resurgence earlier this month and with the final withdrawal of foreign troops looming on the 31st. There is particular concern for female employees, as the Taliban does not support women holding jobs.
The TEFL Workers’ Union has sent an open letter to the British Council, imploring it to use “all power at its disposal to ensure safe passage for its remaining teachers”. Thus far, though some BC workers – maInly those based in Kabul – have managed to leave Afghanistan under the ARAP (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) scheme, many others have not. Part of the problem is a lack of communication, but British nationals who have been trying to assist in Afghanistan say they do not know if teachers have switched their phones off to avoid detection or if something has happened to the individuals.
The BC has posted a statement on its website which says in part: “…we are working closely with the Ministry of Defence to explore every possible avenue of support available. This is to ensure that ARAP applications of all former and current colleagues receive the fullest consideration possible.”
