Afgans who came to UK after fighting alongside UK troops against Taliban want to join British Army

Afgans who came to the UK after working and fighting alongside British troops against the Taliban want to be allowed to join the Army.

Dozens of former Afghan soldiers and frontline interpreters – many veterans of the fiercest fighting trained by UK Special Forces – have expressed a desire to ‘sign up’ to boost the depleted Army.

But despite the recruitment crisis and soldiers quitting at an alarming rate, the Afghans have to wait five years after arriving in the UK before they become eligible.

Instead, the former soldiers – many of whom were praised for their bravery and expertise – are struggling to find regular and well-paid employment. Some have been unemployed since arriving up to three years ago, while many work as taxi drivers, cleaners, security guards, in pizza shops and as fast-food delivery drivers.

Calls for Afghan soldiers and interpreters given sanctuary here to be allowed to join the military were first highlighted by this newspaper’s Betrayal of the Brave campaign more than four years ago.

Afghan Special forces patrol a deserted street during fighting with Taliban fighters

Warrior Armoured vehicle is displayed for the families watching The Royal Tank Regiment Regimental Parade

Rafi Hottak, who campaigns for Afghans who risked their lives beside UK troops, described calls for a relaxation in policy as ‘overdue’ and ‘common sense’.

‘I know of at least 40 members of the Afghan military’s best soldiers who are highly trained and want to join the British Army,’ he said.

‘Surely it is common sense: these men have been trained by the British, they have fought bravely beside them, they are highly experienced in combat – and they have been vetted and security cleared in order to come to the UK.

‘I know of former frontline interpreters, too, who would apply to join, so many are frustrated. Afghans often struggle to find work here, they want to support their families and contribute through the tax system but most of all they would like to show their gratitude to the UK by doing what they do best and that is soldiering.’

Former major general Mirahmed Azimi worked alongside UK forces for 20 years before fleeing Afghanistan when the Taliban took back control in 2021.

He told The Times: ‘I spent all my life in the military and to switch off and join the civilian world is difficult for me. I love to wear my uniform, I love to serve others. I would 100 per cent join the British Army because I love it.’

British Army Theatre Military Working Dog Support Unit, Cpl Dave Heyhoe, 38-years-old from Linconshire, and his dog Treo and Corp Lcpl Marianne Hay from the Royal Army Veterinary

Taliban special forces fighters arrive inside the Hamid Karzai International Airport after the U.S. military’s withdrawal, in Kabul, 2021

If the rules were changed, the new recruits could either integrate into positions within the Army or form their own unit similar to the Gurkhas. It has been reported that Labour ministers are sympathetic to a policy change.

Afghans granted sanctuary under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) are given indefinite leave to remain. 

However, they have to wait five years before they can apply to become a British citizen. The Army will accept only recruits who are British citizens, with the exception of Commonwealth citizens.

A government official said: ‘This government has a new drive to ensure that all Afghans who have relocated to the UK are supported to build their new lives, and to address shortcomings of the ARAP scheme at pace.’