A covert British program to relocate thousands of at-risk Afghans has come to light after the UK High Court lifted a legal gag order this week. Defense Minister John Healey disclosed details of the Afghan Response Route – a $1.37 billion operation launched in April 2024 following a catastrophic data breach that exposed vulnerable individuals to Taliban retaliation.
From Data Leak to Covert Rescue
The crisis began in February 2022 when a UK official accidentally leaked a spreadsheet containing personal details of 19,000 Afghans seeking relocation, including interpreters and others who supported British forces. "This was a serious departmental error," Healey told Parliament, acknowledging that "lives may have been at stake" following the Taliban's 2021 takeover of Kabul.
Operation Details Emerge
Under the secret program:
900 Afghan nationals and 3,600 family members have been relocated
600 additional applications approved for processing
Total estimated cost reaches $1.37 billion
The scheme forms part of broader UK efforts that have accepted 36,000 Afghans through various programs since the government transition in Kabul three years ago. Officials confirm some relocated families remain in transit accommodation while permanent housing arrangements are finalized.
