Afghan refugees left without cash or essential supplies after arriving in UK, says council

Afghan refugees have been forced to try to take essentials such as nappies and medicines after being left without them


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Refugees from Afghanistan arrive in the UK

Afghan refugees have been left without cash and essentials such as sanitary products, toothpaste, nappies or medicines after being evacuated and arriving in the UK, according to the refugee council.

It said some families had been left without cash for up to two weeks, forcing them to try to take essential items from shops without paying for them.

Most are being housed in temporary hotel accommodation while the Government negotiates permanent homes for them with local councils.

The refugee council said it recognised the Government had been forced to work at speed after the two-week evacuation of 15,000 Britons and Afghans from Kabul but it was “concerned” the refugees were not always getting the support they needed.

Some had been left without information about what was going to happen to them – such as a welcome or induction pack – and little understanding of the situation or the process.

There had been no support to maintain contact with family members, including children, in Afghanistan and little or no resources for children such as toys or craft materials and limited access to outside play space, said the council.

“The Government has worked hard to respond to this unprecedented situation, but it’s alarming traumatised families and children have been left without basics, such as sanitary products and medicine, and with little information about what is happening to them,” said Enver Solomon, the council’s chief executive. 

“It is vital that interim accommodation is safe and appropriate, to help them recover and rebuild their lives. The best place for these families is in family homes, embedded in communities, and this outcome must be achieved as soon as possible.

“Too many refugees and people seeking asylum are forced to live under conditions that damage their health and wellbeing, including being forced to live on less than £5 day, as part of the Government’s hostile environment.”

Half of the 343 councils have come forward to offer permanent homes for the Afghan refugees with the Government also drawing up plans to use holiday camps where the evacuees will get “wrap around” services before moving on to council housing.

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