Guidance

Transitional accommodation - new ACRS arrivals: policy guidance

Published 2 April 2024

Introduction

Purpose of the guidance

This guidance sets out the Home Office’s policy position (applicable from 1 April 2024 until further notice) relating to those legally resettled under Pathways 2 and 3 of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS), and currently residing in transitional accommodation.

It sets out the process for how new arrivals will be matched to settled accommodation through the ‘one allocation’ process, and support for those who want to find accommodation independently.

Background

The Home Office has been at the heart of the UK’s response to the fast-moving and challenging events in Afghanistan following the fall of Kabul in August 2021. Operation Pitting was the biggest UK military evacuation for over 70 years and enabled around 15,000 people to leave Afghanistan and get to safety.

Transitional accommodation has been established to provide time-limited safe and secure accommodation for arrivals under the ACRS from December 2023 until the end of June 2024.

Transitional accommodation may only be provided until; accepted moves into settled accommodation, the provision of transitional accommodation ends, or the terms of an excluded licence are breached. Settled accommodation is the best long-term solution that provides newly arriving individuals and families with the best opportunities to integrate, put down roots, and build successful lives in the UK.

Accommodation matching process

The one accommodation allocation matching process

The Home Office operates a one accommodation allocation matching process across all ACRS pathways. Arrivals can be matched to a property from all 4 UK nations (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Under this process, arrivals may receive a maximum of one allocation of settled accommodation. An allocation of settled accommodation may be made either while still abroad or while accommodated in government funded transitional accommodation.

Arrivals may receive an allocation of accommodation by the Home Office accommodation matching team through one of the following accommodation pathways:

• a local authority settled accommodation match
• A Communities for Afghans (CfA) settled accommodation match
• community sponsorship (ACRS Pathway 2 only)

Arrivals will not be able to choose the pathway their allocation of accommodation is made under. Information provided as part of their accommodation matching triage questionnaire, completed by either the International Organization for Migration (IOM) or the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) pre-arrival or upon arrival in the UK by Home Office Liaison Officers (HOLOs), will provide the information used to allocate suitable accommodation that meets their needs. ‘Suitable accommodation’ mean that allocations will be made on the basis of specific needs (e.g. family size, accessibility) and will not be based on preferences such as location. Arrivals can be matched to a property from all 4 UK nations (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).  

Those who wish to discuss their accommodation allocation should contact their Home Office Liaison Officer (HOLO) within 5 working days (7 calendar days) of receipt of their allocation. We strongly encourage new arrivals to accept their allocated accommodation as they will not be given another.

Voluntary withdrawal and ending of the one accommodation allocation matching process

Arrivals are unlikely to receive an allocation of settled accommodation before arriving in the UK. New arrivals can choose to make their own accommodation arrangements on arrival in the UK, which can include, but is not limited to, staying with friends or family, arranging their own hotel stay at personal cost or entering any form of agreement to occupy accommodation that has not been allocated and funded directly by HM Government, this will be viewed as voluntary withdrawal from the one accommodation allocation matching process. Those who do so will be ineligible to receive an accommodation allocation through the matching process.

All arrivals can choose to make their own settled accommodation arrangements after arrival in the UK. Those who enter transitional accommodation and go on to successfully sign a tenancy agreement (or other agreement to occupy) to move into accommodation they have independently arranged will be viewed as voluntarily withdrawing from the matching process. Those who choose not to enter into an excluded licence agreement to occupy transitional accommodation will also be viewed as voluntarily withdrawing from the matching process. All withdrawals will be ineligible to receive a local authority, Community Sponsorship (Pathway 2 only) or Community for Afghans (CfA) accommodation allocation through the matching process.

The accommodation matching process will end when the provision of transitional accommodation ends. Those who have not been made an allocation of settled accommodation before the provision of transitional accommodation ends will no longer be eligible to receive an allocation under the matching process. They will need to leave transitional accommodation and make their own onward accommodation arrangements which may include making a homelessness application.

All who voluntarily withdraw from the accommodation matching process will be given a minimum of 28 calendar days’ notice to leave transitional accommodation from either the date that their BRP card was issued, or the date on which they voluntary withdrew, whichever is later.

Accommodation allocation rejection process

Those who choose to reject their allocation of settled accommodation prior to arrival in the UK, will still have their travel to the UK facilitated by. HM Government supported transitional accommodation will only be provided for a minimum of 28 days from the date that their BRP cards are issued.  After this time elapses arrivals will be required to leave transitional accommodation and organise their own onward accommodation.

If arrivals reject their allocation of settled accommodation while in the UK and after entering into an excluded licence, they will be given a minimum of 28 calendar days’ notice to leave transitional accommodation from either the date that their BRP was issued, or the date on which they rejected the accommodation allocation, whichever is later.

Refusal to sign a tenancy agreement or reside in on arrival settled accommodation that has been previously accepted will be considered a rejection of accommodation under the one allocation matching process. Reasons for rejection are not routinely considered.  Rejections of accommodation allocations are taken as final and may not be overturned.

Accommodation charter breaches

Individuals who breach the terms of the accommodation charter may be required to leave transitional accommodation. Where minors or individuals who are part of a family group breach the terms of the accommodation charter, the linked family group may also be required to leave transitional accommodation.

It shall be at the discretion of the Home Office as to how much notice to provide to leave transitional accommodation once a family member or members has/have breached the accommodation charter. This will be determined on a case by case basis, but will be a maximum of 28 days in any event. Family members will then be required to leave transitional accommodation and make their own onward accommodation arrangements.

Those who choose not to enter transitional accommodation; or who leave transitional accommodation through voluntary withdrawal, or when they are allocated settled accommodation; or through excluded licence/accommodation charter breaches; or when the provision of transitional accommodation ends, are not eligible to re-enter transitional accommodation.

How to find your own accommodation (FYO) in the private rented sector

The Home Office has partnered with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) to provide arrivals with guidance in seeking their own settled accommodation in the private rented sector through the existing Find your own accommodation (FYO) pathway. Searching for private rented sector accommodation through the FYO pathway is a way to look for housing in areas of their choice.

Find your own accommodation pathway (FYO)

To find their own accommodation, arrivals should:

1. Ask the local authority staff in their transitional accommodation about FYO and how it works, and request documents with explanations of the process.
2. Start the process by asking the local authority support staff to help them complete a financial assessment to work out what they can afford.
3. Discuss possible areas to move to with local authority staff. Local authority staff will contact other local authorities (receiving local authority) to find out whether they can help through the integrated support packages. Not all local authorities will be able to support, but this does not prevent moving  a property that is suitable, affordable and sustainable for at least the three years of the integration period is found.
4. Start the property search in the areas agreed. To search for properties, websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, OpenRent should be used, or many others. Enquires about multiple properties should be made to increase their chance of securing one. Local authority staff in their transitional accommodation will be available to help with this.
5. Tell the local authority support staff in transitional accommodation when they find a suitable property. The local authority will then inform the receiving local authority of a household’s request to move to their area. The receiving local authority can claim funding to support integration. If the household move without the support of the receiving local authority, they may not receive the local services they need.
6. Note that the new local authority may be able to help with costs like initial rent, deposits and furniture. They may also provide ongoing resettlement support, like helping to find a nearby school and access to medical services.

The Home Office can help with transport to move guests and their belongings to the new property. Home Office Liaison Officers can arrange this.

More information on how to find accommodation is available in the ‘how to rent’ guide on GOV.UK.

If the deadline for leaving the transitional accommodation is near and they haven’t secured their own accommodation, we urge them to seek advice from their HOLO, who will be able to advise on their next steps.

Living in transitional accommodation

What is transitional accommodation?

Transitional accommodation is temporary, short-term, time-limited accommodation that is currently offered by the government to individuals and families arriving on the ACRS scheme from December 2023 to the end of June 2024. Transitional accommodation will be offered to all new ACRS Pathway 1, 2 and 3 arrivals (with the exception of Pathway 1 arrivals who are joining immediate family members who are already resettled in the UK.

Those who accept an accommodation allocation will leave transitional accommodation and move into settled accommodation. Those who reject an allocation of accommodation, breach the accommodation charter or breach the terms of their excluded licence will be asked to leave transitional accommodation. They will be provided with a minimum of 28 calendar days’ notice which will run from either the issuance of their BRP card, rejection of an accommodation allocation, whichever is later and will need to make their own onward accommodation arrangements.

Those who are offered and accept transitional accommodation will be required to sign an excluded licence and accommodation charter which sets out our commitments to guests, as well as guests’ responsibilities while in transitional accommodation.

Who is entitled to live in transitional accommodation?

Transitional accommodation may be offered by the Home Office for new arrivals under Pathways 1, 2 and 3 and specific group of Pathway 1 of the (ACRS as defined previously) from December 2023 until the end of June 2024 who require it.

Transitional accommodation may be offered and provided when settled accommodation is not ready, if guests are waiting to receive an allocation of settled accommodation and only until the provision of transitional accommodation ends for the cohort.

Transitional accommodation will be offered for a minimum of 28 calendar days from the issuance of a BRP card on arrival into the UK. On arrival, guests will receive an excluded licence agreement and will be given the opportunity to seek their own legal advice on the agreement. Guests will be given a maximum of 7 calendar days to do this.

If guests do not enter into a written excluded licence after 7 calendar days, they will no longer be eligible to remain in transitional accommodation provided by HMG and must leave transitional accommodation and make their own onward accommodation arrangements within 28 days from the issuance of a BRP card.  

If guests wish to continue to be accommodated in transitional accommodation beyond 28 calendar days, they will need to enter into an excluded licence.

Transitional accommodation closure

When will the provision of transitional accommodation end?

This provision may end once one of the following occurs:

• the acceptance on an allocation of settled accommodation moving into the property at the required time, which will be specified beforehand
• rejecting an allocation of settled accommodation pre-arrival into the UK - guests will be provided with a minimum of 28 calendar days accommodation after receiving their BRP card before being required to leave and expected to make their own onward accommodation arrangements
• rejecting an allocation of settled accommodation post-arrival into the UK - guests will be provided with a minimum of 28 calendar days accommodation after the issuance of their BRP card or the rejection of accommodation, whichever comes later, before being required to leave and expected to make their own onward accommodation arrangements
• voluntary withdrawal from the one allocation matching process - guests will be provided with a minimum of 28 calendar days accommodation after the issuance of their BRP card or the rejection of accommodation, whichever comes later, before being required to leave and expected to make their own onward accommodation arrangements
• guests being accommodated in the transitional accommodation breach the terms of their excluded licence agreement and/or accommodation charter
• at the end of the licence period, as detailed in the excluded licence

What notice will guests receive before their stay in transitional accommodation ends?

Guests will usually receive a minimum of 28 calendar days’ notice if they have entered into an excluded licence. If there has been a breach of the excluded licence, or the circumstances justify it, then a shorter notice period may be given. Guests who have not entered into an excluded licence agreement may be accommodated for a maximum of 28 calendar days’ before being required to leave transitional accommodation.

Those who do not sign an excluded licence agreement will no longer be eligible to stay in transitional accommodation provided by the government and will need to leave transitional accommodation and make their own onward accommodation arrangements.

Settled accommodation guidance

Integration support

Those who move into settled accommodation through the one allocation matching process or FYO will be eligible for a package of integration support provided by the receiving local authority for 3 years, as long as the receiving local authority agree to support.

Guests may move into accommodation without the agreement of the receiving local authority but may not be able to access the integration support they need.

Entitlement to benefits and public services

Entering the UK through the ACRS, arrivals are granted the right to remain in the UK indefinitely, the right to work, education and the right to rent property. These rights are permanent and will not be taken away.

New arrivals under the ACRS scheme will continue to be eligible to apply for benefits and access public services. These include:

• access to UK benefits
• access to free healthcare through the National Health Service (NHS)
• access to support services including, translation services, and accessing healthcare, education, and employment
• support for finding schools and nurseries and arranging any special care needs for children or vulnerable adults

Support accessing work and training

If individuals receive Universal Credit and are able to work, they are entitled to a work coach. They are there to help with job searches and can give individual support depending on someone’s needs. This can include:

• helping to identify transferable skills and how these may help in jobs or industries they may not have thought of before
• using their local expertise to help with job search and to find suitable opportunities
• helping create, improve, and adapt their CV
• supporting with job applications and providing advice to increase their chance of success
• helping prepare and practice for interviews

Responsibilities once in settled accommodation

Once guests have secured a property, they will be responsible for all rental costs, gas and electricity, water bills, council tax and TV licence (please note, this is not an exhaustive list), this is standard for anyone renting a property in the UK. The Home Office will no longer be liable for any of their costs.

Some may be eligible for housing support. Local authority case workers and DWP can provide guidance on this and how to pay bills if required.

Supporting organisations

The following organisations/teams support guests currently living in transitional accommodation:

Accommodation matching team (Home Office)

The accommodation matching team is responsible for matching Afghan guests in transitional accommodation to settled accommodation allocated by local authorities, and matching is subject to there being sufficient suitable available properties.

Local authorities

Local authorities work closely with the Home Office to provide wraparound support services to guests in transitional accommodation and to prepare them to move on to settled accommodation. Some local authorities also pledge to support the scheme and make allocations of settled accommodation.

The Home Office accommodation matching team will seek to match suitable households to this accommodation in-line with their current matching process.

The settled accommodation put forward by local authorities varies in type, size and tenure. Where a household takes up one of those properties, the local authority commits to providing them with integration support for 3 years. Local authorities might also provide integration support when a household moves to their area under the Find your own accommodation pathway.

Local authority engagement team (LAET) (Home Office)

The local authority engagement team work closely with local authorities to ensure appropriate support is provided to guests in transitional accommodation and to assist them in overcoming issues as they arise. They also work closely with local authorities to secure allocations of settled accommodation and will work alongside colleagues in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to support local authorities throughout the resettlement and relocation process.

Devolved government and local authority engagement team (Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities)

The devolved government and local authority engagement team work at the interface between Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and local authorities on Humanitarian resettlement. They are working closely with local authorities to source suitable properties for individuals and households.

Home Office Liaison Officer (HOLO) Team

HOLOs are based in transitional accommodation supporting guests throughout their stay and are the Home Office’s single point of contact for guests in transitional accommodation. HOLOs have a presence across all transitional accommodation and work to resolve issues guests may have during their stay. HOLOs are responsible for managing and supporting guests throughout the process, ensuring that any concerns are logged and addressed. Where issues are raised by guests that are not linked to Home Office functions, HOLOs will refer guests to the relevant authorities or services.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for helping those in transitional accommodation who are eligible to claim relevant benefits including Universal Credit and State Pension Credit and assisting with queries about employment.

The voluntary and community sector

A variety of voluntary and community sector organisations have a presence in transitional accommodation to support and provide advice and guidance on a variety of issues, including on life in the UK, employment, access to services, to residents.

Accommodation charter - transitional accommodation

All guests will be required to adhere to the conditions of the accommodation charter. This sets out our commitment to guests, explains the role of the Home Office and what we expect from guests in transitional accommodation.

We commit to putting guests’ needs at the heart of everything we do, minimising disruption to guests and providing clean, safe, and secure accommodation. We expect guests to adhere to their responsibilities, as detailed in the accommodation charter. Failure to do so will result in action being taken.

There is a requirement that guests will treat partners working to support them in accommodation with respect, in line with the accommodation charter. Any abuse or harassment towards partners will not be tolerated.

Our customer charter

This charter sets out your commitments while occupying transitional accommodation.

Your commitment to the Home Office

You will:

• only use the accommodation as ‘living accommodation’ and not allow anyone other than those named in the accommodation booking form to stay overnight, or occupy all or part of the accommodation without permission from the Home Office
• keep the accommodation allocated to you in clean condition and to take reasonable care of all furniture, bed linen and other articles provided. This includes avoiding damage to property within the accommodation
• follow accommodation procedures to securely and hygienically dispose of / recycle all rubbish and remove and dispose of all unwanted items which are not normally collected by refuse collectors
• not commit (or threaten to commit) any form of violence or harassment which may interfere with the peace and comfort of any other person lawfully in the locality of the accommodation
• do not smoke or use other illegal substances in the accommodation (you will be liable for any damages including fines)
• exercise proper control over your children and provide for their care at all times
• notify the accommodation manager of any damage caused by you or your children
• keep noise to a minimum and respect other accommodation users
• not interfere with or remove the safety catches fitted to windows
• not use electrical or other cooking appliances within rooms that contravene fire policy
• not remove any furniture or any item belonging to the hotel or the premises in which the accommodation is located
• not obstruct the common areas of the accommodation with prams, furniture, etc
• move accommodation or vacate the property when asked to do so
• return all keys to the accommodation staff and remove all personal possessions, furniture and rubbish when you are leaving. The accommodation accepts no responsibility for anything left in the property

Unreasonable behaviour will not be tolerated, and subsequent action will be taken in accordance with accommodation policy and UK law.

For all Afghanistan resettlement enquires, you can contact the General Immigration Enquiry Line.

Telephone: 0300 790 6268 – select option 2
Monday to Thursday: 9am to 4:45pm
Friday: 9am to 4:30pm

The helpline is closed on bank holidays.

Call charges vary depending on your phone provider and whether you use a landline or mobile.

Further information on call charges is available on GOV.UK.