Afghanistan Asylum Claims in the UK: What You Need to Know 2026

Following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, a significant number of Afghan nationals have sought protection in the United Kingdom. Asylum claims from Afghanistan are among the most important and sensitive cases our Bolton solicitors handle.

Country Conditions in Afghanistan

The Taliban’s return to power has created a dire human rights situation for many groups in Afghanistan, including: former government and military employees and their families, journalists and civil society workers, women (who face severe restrictions on education, employment and freedom of movement), members of the LGBT+ community, ethnic minorities, and religious minorities. UK asylum adjudicators are required to take current country guidance seriously.

Country Guidance Determinations

The Upper Tribunal periodically issues Country Guidance determinations on Afghanistan that are binding on immigration judges. These set out what is and is not generally accepted about conditions in Afghanistan and the risks faced by particular groups. Our solicitors closely follow the latest country guidance to ensure claims are presented in the most effective way.

Afghan Resettlement Programmes

Separately from the asylum system, the UK has operated several resettlement schemes for Afghans: the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) for those who assisted UK forces, the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) for other vulnerable Afghans, and associated family reunion provisions.

Visa Restrictions

Under the 2025 Immigration White Paper, the government introduced a “visa brake” for certain nationalities including Afghanistan, temporarily suspending certain visa routes due to asylum claim patterns. Our solicitors can advise on how this affects Afghan nationals and what options remain available.