Settling in: An assessment of Operation New Hope’s support for Afghans who worked with the British Armed Forces

Operation New Hope is an MOD initiative that was launched in August of 2021, in the shadow of the worsening Taliban offensive and the Kabul air lift. It was designed to facilitate the ARAP (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) scheme, established in 2020, to aid Afghans who had worked
with British armed forces in Afghanistan, usually as interpreters, to resettle in the United Kingdom.

It was set up with the best of intentions, on a wave of public support, and has certainly done some good for Afghan arrivals to the UK. Yet the system is still failing too many people.

This paper covers the discussions and conclusions reached at two events held by Demos. Both were attended by key individuals from throughout the sector, including the Royal British Legion, RFEA (Regular Forces Employment Agency) and Help for Heroes, as well as grassroots organisations, such
as the Sulha Alliance, JobOppo and the Refugee Employment Network and people working on the ground with Afghan arrivals.