Military camp in Wales to house Afghans who risked their lives helping UK

Afghans who risked their lives helping the UK Armed Forces are to be housed in a Welsh military camp.

East Camp, a Ministry of Defence housing estate in St Athan in the Vale of Glamorgan, is set to house 50 people by the end of the month, with more joining them in mid-April.

The site, which can host a maximum of 180, will be used by families who are eligible under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP).

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'Debt of gratitude'

ARAP supports people and their families who worked for, or with, the UK government and British armed forces in Afghanistan – such as interpreters.

An MOD spokesperson said: "We owe a debt of gratitude to those brave Afghans who risked their lives working alongside our forces in support of the UK mission.

“To ensure ARAP-eligible families can begin a settled life in the UK as quickly as possible, the UK Government is offering transitional and settled accommodation from the Defence Estate, including at East Camp St Athan.

"Eligible Afghans will be housed there temporarily for an approximate period of six weeks before moving to more settled accommodation."

Forces News in January was given special access to a military base near Chepstow, which is currently home to 200 Afghan civilians who came to the UK as part of ARAP.

'Everybody in mind'

Afghan citizens who are eligible for relocation to the UK under ARAP may come with a partner, dependent children and additional family members who are deemed eligible by the MOD and suitable for relocation by the Home Office.

Those who arrive in the UK under the ARAP scheme have indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

The MOD said it is working with the Welsh Government and the Vale of Glamorgan Council to ensure the project is managed "with everybody in mind", especially those who live locally.