States' Assembly would have final say over taking Afghan refugees

Friday 29 October 2021

The States’ External Relations Lead, Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq, has confirmed that Guernsey has requested approval from the UK Government to participate in a scheme to resettle refugees from Afghanistan.

Deputy Le Tocq thinks it may be months rather than weeks before the UK responds conclusively to Guernsey’s request. But he is more hopeful than previously that the request will be approved.

“Yes, we have asked if we can participate in the resettlement scheme, but we’re still waiting to hear,” said Deputy Le Tocq.

“When we asked at the time of a similar scheme for Syrians, the answer was that we didn’t tick all the necessary boxes to participate. Since then, some things have changed which could make it possible for us to tick the necessary boxes. Including allowing the third sector as well as government to assist providing accommodation and funding.”

If the UK Government approves Guernsey’s request, Deputy Le Tocq will ask the Policy & Resources Committee to take proposals to the States’ Assembly.

“I would be recommending to P&RC that we should take this to the Assembly. We respect that in our community there are views which are strongly held on all sides of this debate. Before acting, I think we would need it to be accepted and approved by the Assembly on behalf of our community.”

Pictured: In August, Express first reported Guernsey's interest in welcoming refugees and talks continue with the UK Government

The UK intends to provide refuge to around 20,000 people fleeing Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban seizing control of most of the country following the withdrawal earlier this year of the United States and allies. Deputy Le Tocq anticipated that Guernsey’s contribution to the resettlement scheme would be proportionate to its population – meaning that around 20 refugees could be permitted to settle in the island.

“These would be people who had moved from Afghanistan into other countries nearby and who are looking to be resettled. We want to be ready. We want to be able to say we are ready if the UK allows us to participate in the scheme,” said Deputy Le Tocq.

Several thousand Afghans who worked for the UK Government and the British military were evacuated to the UK at the time of the withdrawal of Western forces. Under a separate scheme, the UK anticipates resettling around 5,000 refugees in the first year and 15,000 more over the next few years.

“The scheme operates under UN regulations to which we are signed up. But it would be for the UK as a sovereign state to decide whether we should be allowed to participate, if we wished to,” said Deputy Le Tocq.

Guernsey’s request to participate was made independently. But Deputy Le Tocq said the States remain open to working with the other Crown Dependencies, Jersey and the Isle of Man, should they wish to become involved.

Pictured top: Deputy Jonathan Le Tocq wants the States to debate Guernsey taking Afghan refugees if the UK Government approves the Island's request.