Afghan citizen resettlement scheme
The UK formally opened the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) on 6 January 2022.
The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) was launched on 1 April 2021.
The ACRS aims to resettle Afghan nationals who have been displaced from their homes due to the current crisis and will prioritise women, girls, children and those most in need, who are likely to face human rights abuses and dehumanising treatment by the Taliban.
The ARAP scheme offers relocation and/or other assistance to former Locally Employed Staff from Afghanistan.
The government will resettle more than 5,000 people through the ACRS in the first year and up to 20,000 over the coming years, in addition to those receiving relocation support through the ARAP scheme.
Here at Haringey, we have made a commitment to welcoming a number of families to our borough who are currently in temporary accommodation.
How can you help
Many of the families arrived in the UK around August last year and have been living in bridging hotels since then.
We are looking to work with local landlords who have properties available as there will be a tenancy agreement put into place.
We are looking for properties with 2 to 4 bedrooms, preferably furnished.
Other property criteria include:
- Located in the borough of Haringey
- Between 2-4 bedrooms
- Furnished - including white goods
- Compliant with all relevant legislation
- Rent level - local housing allowance
Scheme offer for landlords
We have an attractive package of benefits for landlords who want to be part of ACRS:
- A one-off payment of up to £4,500
- Help with sign up
- First months’ rent covered if the tenant is not in employment and/or not yet in receipt of benefits and until the benefit claim has been determined
- Shortfall covered if the family are benefit capped for 12 months possibly longer
- Void period covered for up to 56 days from the agreed ready-to-let date
Haringey Council will provide a complete resettlement and support service to ensure families can settle immediately into their new home, including:
- Help with any benefits claims
- Provision of key items, including, but not limited to:
- bedding, linens, crockery, cutlery, utensils, pots and pans, small kitchen goods, toiletries and a food package
- Support with accessing education, health and community services
- General practical support to resettle into the borough
If you can help please contact: d'larnie.green@capitalletters.org.uk providing the property information and one of the team will arrange to meet with you to see the property and talk through the next steps.
Useful links and more information
If you would like to find out more about ACRS and ARAP, please visit the following pages:
- Afghan citizens resettlement scheme - GOV.UK (external link)
- Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy: further information on eligibility criteria, offer details and how to apply - GOV.UK (external link)
- Capital Letters for London (external link)