Guidance

Introduction of transparency data for ARAP eligibility case working

Updated 26 February 2026

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) will begin publishing transparency data on a quarterly basis from 26 February 2026 which will track the conclusion of Afghan Relocation and Resettlement Policy (ARAP) casework and the department’s performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy 

On 3 November 2025 the MOD committed to implementing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) with the aim of improving case handling times and providing transparency around indicative timescales for the conclusion of the remaining ARAP eligibility applications.  

This is the first time the department is publishing data on the performance of eligibility applications for this scheme. To ensure there is an understanding the work the MOD manages, this data includes the number of applications received, the number of decisions made and KPI compliance. It is necessary to define some of the component parts of ARAP eligibility casework to enable understanding for applicants and the public. 

This data is specifically linked to ARAP eligibility casework and cannot be combined or interpreted alongside any other published ARP casework and relocation data.  

Statistics on individuals resettled or relocated under the Afghan schemes is available in the Immigration System Statistics release.

Operational data for Afghan Resettlement Programme including ARAP arrivals in the UK is available at Afghan Resettlement Programme: operational data. 

1. Types of ARAP Eligibility Application 

The data provided will include figures for the following types of ARAP applications:  

• ARAP Applications - where an individual has applied to the ARAP scheme for the first time and is awaiting an eligibility decision. 
• ARAP Review Applications - where an individual has requested a review of the initial decision on their ARAP application after being found ineligible. 
• ARAP Re-applications – where an ARAP applicant previously found ineligible for ARAP re-applied after completing both the ARAP application and ARAP Review processes (if applicable). 
• ARAP Additional Family Member Applications (AFM) - where an individual has submitted an AFM application is awaiting an eligibility decision. 
• ARAP AFM Review Applications - where an individual has requested a review of an initial ineligible decision on their AFM application. 

2. Performance 

The MOD has historically received more applications than were ever expected for this relocation scheme. ARAP was not intended as a broad or general relocation scheme and was only ever for Afghan citizens who worked for or with the UK Government in Afghanistan in exposed or meaningful roles. 

Certain applications may be decided in shorter timeframes than standard processing times. This typically occurs when the application does not meet the requirements set out on GOV.UK. Common examples include: 

• The applicant has provided invalid contact details, preventing successful communication.  
• The applicant has failed to respond to requests for information to enable a decision. 
• A review request is submitted prior to the issuance of an ineligible decision.  
• A review request cannot be reconciled with the details of ARAP or ARAP AFM application. 

The MOD is making strong progress in decision-making, however full KPI compliance will take time given numerous factors. These include:

• Surge periods: A surge period is defined as a month(s) when a significantly higher-than-average number of ARAP eligibility applications were received, specifically experienced as a notable spike as opposed to a gradual increase in applications. The surge months can correlate to increased media coverage of the ARAP scheme, like Parliamentary updates on the Triples Review or announced policy changes, like changes to the ARAP Additional Family Member (AFM) policy. 
• The temporary and or unexpected pauses in ARAP decision-making during policy development. This includes the near pause in decision making for ARAP AFM and AFM Review applications for a period following the publication of the Rimmer Review in June 2025 after which the risk framework for those applications was re-assessed. Preparatory and casework activities were maintained throughout this period, with decisions being made and communicated upon the conclusion of the pause. 
• The prioritisation of decisions on first time ARAP applications and AFM applications. This may have had an adverse impact on ARAP Re-applications, ARAP Reviews, and AFM Reviews, which will have exceeded KPI timelines before KPIs were introduced.  

We expect to see an upward trend in month-on-month performance, including decision making and KPI compliance going forward.  

Transparency in casework performance is key to driving improvements in case handling times. By sharing results openly, even when KPIs are still evolving, we create opportunities for continuous progress and improvement. 

3. Definitions 

This section defines key terms used in the published data, aiming to ensure clarity and consistency by explaining terminology specific to ARAP casework. 

3.1 Applications Received 

An application or review request has been received when an individual has applied using the online form for ARAP or to request a review, or via email for an AFM application. 

3.2 Decision Made 

An application has been resolved or a decision made when an electronic letter informing the applicant about the outcome of their application is issued. 

3.3 Surge Period 

A surge period is defined as a month(s) when a significantly higher-than-average number of ARAP eligibility applications were received. 

3.4 Complex 

A complex ARAP casework decision is typically one where there are additional or wider factors to consider in how the published policy applies. This can include but is not limited to cases where an applicant had been dismissed due to misconduct, cases under Category 4, or those with, a high level of sensitivity that requires additional scrutiny, which could include cross-departmental input and can require ministerial endorsement.   

3.5 Non-Complex 

A non-complex ARAP eligibility casework decision is one that, within the published ARAP policy framework, can be assessed by the MOD needing only routine checks and there are no additional or wider factors to consider in the application of policy. No ministerial endorsement is required.  

3.6 ARAP Casework KPIs 

The KPIs commit to the following timeframes against different types of ARAP casework decisions:  

• Make 60% of non-complex decisions in 6 months.  
• Make 95% of non-complex decisions in 9 months.  
• Make 100% of non-complex decisions in 12 months.  
• Make 60% of complex decisions in 9 months.  
• Make month on month improvement.