Afghan veterans urge UK government to allow them to join the British Army

Key Concepts

• Afghan Relocation Assistance: The process of bringing Afghan nationals, particularly those who assisted British forces, to the UK following the Taliban takeover.
• Homelessness among Afghan Veterans: The challenges faced by relocated Afghans in securing long-term housing and the resulting instances of homelessness.
• Integration Barriers: The difficulties Afghan veterans face in utilizing their skills and experience within the UK system, specifically regarding military re-enlistment.
• MOD Response & Criticism: The Ministry of Defence’s handling of the Afghan relocation scheme and the criticism surrounding its failure to integrate skilled Afghan veterans into the British Army.
• Security Concerns: The potential security implications of recruiting former Afghan military personnel into the British armed forces.

The Plight of Afghan Veterans Relocated to the UK

The interview details the experiences of Major Noriz Zamatsai, a former member of the Afghan special forces who served alongside British troops for 17 years, and the broader challenges faced by Afghan veterans resettled in the UK after the Taliban takeover in August 2021. Major Zamatsai’s service involved responding to numerous terrorist attacks, including the attack on a Kabul maternity clinic and the siege of the Intercontinental Hotel. He recounts a particularly harrowing experience losing a soldier in his arms during combat: “I start 12:00 midnight till 12:00 of the afternoon till when we finished enemy and I lost one one my soldier also. He was he's he lost his uh his life in my hug.”

Escape from Afghanistan & Initial Support

Following the Taliban’s resurgence, Major Zamatsai underwent a desperate escape from Kabul, hiding in a water tank for 12 hours before securing a place on an evacuation flight arranged by a friend from Sandhurst. His escape was fraught with danger and heartbreak, as he was forced to disguise himself in women’s clothing to reach the airport, and was separated from his mother, who urged him to flee: “They shoot my family members. I put the women clothes on. I was used the woman scarf on my head and I go to airport and my mom just pushed me. I tried to go hug my mom. She said, 'No, get out.'” This was the last time he saw her.

Over 37,000 Afghans have been brought to the UK since August 2021, all facing risks due to their association with British forces. Initial support includes temporary accommodation for up to nine months. However, the transcript highlights a significant issue: the subsequent struggle many face in securing long-term housing. Over 1,400 households have reported homelessness over the past four years, and Major Zamatsai himself experienced a period of homelessness before being assisted by a local veteran.

Disappointment & Underemployment

Despite their specialized skills and experience, many Afghan veterans are forced to take on low-skilled jobs. Major Zamatsai, a counterterrorism specialist, now works as a station security guard, expressing his frustration: “I’m a counterterrorism specialist. Now I’m doing security job… They’re doing Uber jobs, working in the car wash and the British army. They spend lots of money on us. But suddenly, I don't know why the Amoody, they ignore us.” This sentiment reflects a broader feeling of abandonment among Afghan veterans who feel their contributions have been undervalued.

Calls for Integration into the British Army

Former security minister Tom Tugendhat strongly advocates for allowing Afghan veterans to join the British Army, arguing that the current requirement of five years of residency before applying is a significant oversight: “It’s uh been overlooked for too long. Uh, frankly, there are some exceptionally talented people, many of whom I either trained alongside or fought alongside for several years in Afghanistan. And frankly, uh, the mod has really let itself down on this.” He emphasizes the valuable skills and experience these individuals possess.

Complications & Security Concerns

Despite the potential benefits, integrating Afghan veterans into the British Army is not without its challenges. The transcript notes that the schemes are now closed to new applicants, partly due to a government data leak that resulted in 7,000 more Afghans than anticipated needing relocation. Furthermore, security concerns, stemming from a security incident in the US involving former Afghan forces, are cited as a barrier. Experts acknowledge that creating a new “Girka” unit (a specialized unit, likely referencing Gurkha regiments) would be complex and require careful consideration of security implications.

Government Commitment & Future Prospects

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) maintains that the government is committed to supporting relocated Afghans with the right to work and assistance in securing long-term housing and employment. However, the practical realities, as illustrated by Major Zamatsai’s experience, suggest a gap between policy and implementation.

Expression of Gratitude & Hope for the Future

Despite the difficulties, Major Zamatsai expresses profound gratitude to the UK: “Thank you so much for the all United Kingdom people. They've saved our life. We never forget that.” He retains hope of one day returning to Afghanistan but, in the meantime, desires to utilize his skills to contribute to his adopted country.