Dozens of Afghans who fled the Taliban after risking their lives to help the UK during the 20-year conflict are to be housed on a military camp in Wales.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) estate in St Athan, in the Vale of Glamorgan, will receive 50 people by the end of this month, with more joining them in mid-April.

East Camp, which can host a maximum of 180, will be used by families who are eligible under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP).

ARAP supports those who worked for, or with, the UK government and British armed forces in Afghanistan, such as interpreters.

Ministers have previously acknowledged the much-criticised delay in relocating people, who faced death at the hands of the Taliban, was because of a shortage of suitable accommodation.

The hardline militant group returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021 after Western forces, including the US and Britain, withdrew following a two decade-long occupation.

An MoD spokesperson said: “We owe a debt of gratitude to those brave Afghans who risked their lives working alongside our forces in support of the UK mission.

“To ensure ARAP-eligible families can begin a settled life in the UK as quickly as possible, the UK Government is offering transitional and settled accommodation from the Defence Estate, including at East Camp St Athan.

“Eligible Afghans will be housed there temporarily for an approximate period of six weeks before moving to more settled accommodation.”

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Afghan citizens who qualify for relocation to the UK under ARAP may come with a partner, dependent children and additional family members who are deemed eligible by the MoD and suitable for relocation by the Home Office.

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Those who arrive in the UK under the scheme have indefinite leave to remain in the UK.

The MoD said it is working with the Welsh government and Vale of Glamorgan Council to ensure the project is managed “with everybody in mind”, especially those who live locally.

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