Salford Citizens Advice

The current crisis in Afghanistan:

The Government has issued the following advice for people who may be worrying about anyone caught up in the current crisis in Afghanistan.

British nationals:

If you are a British national, or family member of a British national in Afghanistan, call +44 1908 516 666 (or 01908 516 666 in the UK) and select the option ‘Consular services for British nationals.’

It is extremely important that this phone number is used for people to register their need for help, not to ask for updates, which we cannot currently provide.

This phone number is monitored 24/7 by consular officers. All those who register will be contacted by one of the consular staff and they will contact British nationals for whom they have details as soon as flights from Kabul are confirmed. 

The Government has said “If you are able to leave Afghanistan safely by other means, you should do so immediately.”

Non-British nationals:

ARAP

The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) is for Afghans who have supported British efforts in Afghanistan, for example interpreters and other personnel. View further details on ARAP at: https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2021/08/16/factsheet-uk-support-to-resettle-afghan-nationals/?mc_cid=6d115edc6d&mc_eid=5f54a6c128

Other prioritised groups:

The Government is also prioritising the following groups:

  • current or former Chevening Scholars
  • people with existing leave or an open application for student, work, and family visas
  • journalists and those who worked with British news agencies
  • members of civil society groups for women’s rights
  • Afghan government officials
  • officials working in counterterrorism and counter-narcotics
  • employees of charities, humanitarian organisations and NGOs

If you are a non-British national in Afghanistan, or are the family member of a non-British national in Afghanistan, and in need of assistance, call +44 2475 389 980 (or 02475 389 980 in the UK).

This phone number is available 24/7.

You should be prepared to provide as many details as possible including:

  • your full name as printed on your travel document / identity card or passport
  • your date of birth
  • You should also provide these details for any dependants or immediate family members you may have such as your spouse and children.

If you are calling on behalf of any individual or individuals in Afghanistan please ensure you have the same details available as requested above to provide.

Please do not call this number to ask for updates. Call lines may be busy, but they will answer your call as soon as they can.

This helpline is not providing advice on eligibility for the full Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme, and it is not for registering interest for the scheme. Please continue checking back on the Afghan citizens’ resettlement scheme page for updated details of the scheme.

If you wish to help:

Make a donation:

(Copied from Salford CVS website)

“The Migrant Destitution Fund supports migrant people in Greater Manchester who have “no recourse to public funds” – a policy that leaves people unable to meet their basic needs, not supported by the state and not allowed to do paid work to support themselves. People supported by the Fund are mostly (but not exclusively) asylum seekers and people whose right to remain isn’t recognised by the Home Office (e.g., because a relationship breaks down). Many migrants eventually win the right to remain, to work and to access public funds, but it is a long process, and, in the meantime, it traps people in destitution. Others are granted leave to remain but are still denied access to public funds, leaving them without any safety net.

The Fund aims to restore dignity and empower people forced into these degrading situations by Home Office policy.

Care4Calais Manchester is aiming to raise £60,000.00 to fund Afghan Welcome Packs of essential items. The charity’s Manchester teams will work to provide refugees from Afghanistan with new arrival packs, so they have clean clothes to change into, proper shoes and basic toiletries.

Donate essential items:

Care4Calais has a number of drop off points for donated items in Greater Manchester. You can find your nearest drop off point on the Drop Off Map.

10GM member Salford CVS are also currently collecting donations Monday – Friday 9am – 4.30pm at their premises in the rear extension of Eccles Town Hall at 5 Irwell Place, Eccles, Salford M30 0FN.

St Sebastian’s Community Centre in Pendleton (1 Douglas Green, M6 6ES) are also collecting donations Monday – Friday 9am – 1.30pm.

The priority guidance on donations is constantly being updated and the current items needed are:

  • Aptimil (200 ml made up bottles) – No other brands please as this is due to dietary requirements etc
  • Nappies
  • Nappy bags
  • Nappy Cream
  • Baby Bottles
  • Sanitary towels – not tampons please
  • Socks 
  • Slippers
  • US to UK adaptors and phone chargers

Please do not drop off:

  • Any form of food except the specific brand of Aptimil requested
  • Toys (due to them needing to be checked for safety standards)

Please ensure any items are clean, dry, and in good or new condition. We will update this donation list as we get more information on what the current need is.”

 

Tom Togher

August 25, 2021.