UK NEWS

Afghan pilot who fought Taliban could be deported to Rwanda

Thousands of Afghans eligible for evacuation remain trapped in the country almost two years after Nato troops’ chaotic departure from Kabul
Thousands of Afghans eligible for evacuation remain trapped in the country almost two years after Nato troops’ chaotic departure from Kabul
EPA

Ministers have refused to rule out deporting an Afghan pilot who fought alongside British armed forces before escaping his war-torn country and arriving in the UK on a small boat.

The air force lieutenant, who flew 30 combat missions against the Taliban, could be sent to Rwanda after he travelled here illegally. He had been forced into hiding and said it was “impossible” to find a legal route to Britain.

He arrived in a small boat last year, which makes him eligible for deportation under the UK’s existing inadmissibility rules. The rules, introduced in January 2021, state that anyone who arrives having travelled through a safe country such as France should be barred from claiming asylum here and removed from the UK.

Dominic Raab, the justice secretary, would not rule out deporting the Afghan pilot to Rwanda
Dominic Raab, the justice secretary, would not rule out deporting the Afghan pilot to Rwanda
UK PARLIAMENT/JESSICA TAYLOR/PA WIRE

However, his case