Support and information for people from Afghanistan

The Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP) is the UK government’s current approach to supporting eligible Afghan nationals, replacing all previous Afghan schemes. 

The programme started in March 2025 and replaced earlier Afghan resettlement schemes with one single programme. Its purpose is to support Afghans rebuilding their lives in the UK.

The programme is funded by the Home Office and works with local councils to help families settle into their new communities.

People arriving via these schemes will have immediate indefinite leave to remain and full access to public funds.

Free NHS services include:

• GP (family doctor) appointments
• hospital treatment
• maternity care

You usually need to pay for:

• prescriptions
• dental treatment

You can get free prescriptions and dental treatment if you have a HC2 certificate.

Your personal health information is private. NHS staff will not share it without your permission unless they are concerned about your safety.

During a medical emergency, you should go to your nearest Accident and Emergency (A&E) department. This is free for everyone.

For a life‑threatening emergency, call 999 and ask for an ambulance. 

For urgent help that is not life‑threatening, call NHS 111.

Do not use A&E for minor health problems.

A general practitioner (GP) is the main doctor you see in the UK. They help with:

• children’s health
• adult health
• mental health
• maternity care

GP practices may also have:

• nurses
• pharmacists
• physiotherapists

You should:

• register with a GP near your home as soon as possible
• register even if you feel well

To register, you will usually need to provide your:

• name and date of birth
• address
• phone number (if you have one)

You can still register even if you do not have ID or proof of address.

Find out how to register with a GP surgery

After you register

Once you have registered with a GP, you may be invited for a simple health check with a nurse It is important to go, even if you feel well.

If you move home, you must register with a new GP. You can only be registered with one GP at a time

Education in England is compulsory for all children between 5 and 16 years old.

All children in England between 5 and 16 years old are entitled to a free place at a state school. 

If your child is between the ages of 5 and 15, use our school admissions pages to apply for a school place.

You can also see guidance if your child needs to change schools part way through the school year, known as in-year admissions. 

Children and young people must stay in full-time education until they reach school leaving age.

You can find out about adult learning courses if you are an adult who wants to:

• make a fresh start with learning
• return to learning
• continue learning

Learning English

The British Council Learn English website provides a variety of applications, each focusing on a different area such as:

• grammar
• videos
• podcasts
• how to say words

To open a bank account in the UK, you will usually need to show proof of identity such as:

• passport 
• biometric residency permit
• driving licence 
• recognised identity card 

A number of UK banks allow you to open an account without a permanent UK address. These include:

• Starling 
• Monzo

To work in the UK, you will need your National Insurance Number (NINO or NI number). This is a unique number for each person. It records the tax and National Insurance contributions that you make. You cannot work or receive benefits without your NINO.

Those arriving on the Afghan schemes are entitled to work. Support into work can be provided by the Job Centre.

Find your local Job Centre

If you are on a low income and need help from an immigration solicitor, you can search the list of legal aid providers via GOV.UK.

Find a legal aid provider

Legal aid is not "public funds" for the purpose of immigration rules, so you can apply even if you are on a visa that doesn't normally give you access to public funds (such as benefits).

Immigration advisers

You can find an immigration adviser using the GOV.UK Immigration Advice Authority (IAA) Adviser Finder.

Select the level of advice required and the location. 

You can filter the search to view Not Fee Charging (free) advisers only. 

Find an immigration adviser

Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice provide free advice to all members of the public on matters including:

• benefits 
• housing 
• family law 
• immigration

In the UK, the law protects everyone against prejudice or hostility that is directed towards them based on their:

• disability
• gender identity
• nationality
• race
• religion
• sexual orientation

A hate crime can include:

• verbal abuse
• intimidation
• threats
• harassment
• assault
• damage to property

You can:

• report a hate crime online
• call 101 to speak to the police
• visit a hate crime reporting centre

Call 999 if you’re reporting a crime that's happening right now or if someone is in immediate danger.