Afghan Refugees Have Arrived in the UK

The exhausted and courageous Afghan refugees, including 2200 children, have been airlifted to the UK out of the Taliban regime have reached safety. The Red Cross has described scenes of "absolute chaos" at airports.

Dara Leonard, a team leader from the British Red Cross, has described that some new arrivals were "passing out from exhaustion in airport terminals." Pregnant women and people in need of medical attention were rushed to the hospital. Emergency responders describe the scenes as "shocking," as thousands of people were processed and transported to hotels, where they have to quarantine for ten days. 

The UK government has launched "operation warm welcome" for 20,000 Afghan refugees, taking up support from charities, businesses, and members of the public. Campaigners warn that there may be a lack of suitable housing, as frantic attempts to find accommodations are underway. 

Officials said the Afghan resettlement program would include education, health, accommodations, and support into employment and housing. The government will also provide free English language courses. 

Oxford academic specializing in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Dr. Jennifer Wild said assistance, regular communication, and settling into life in Britain quickly helps people who have suffered from trauma. It is necessary to break the cognitive link between their negative experiences in Afghanistan and the present to create a stable routine. 

Dr. Wild warned that therapy should begin around one month after they have settled, as no one should "have to suffer for months on end with PTSD symptoms or depression symptoms." PTSD has a relatively high natural recovery rate; if the person is still suffering symptoms after one month, trauma-focused therapy sessions need to occur. 

Some arrivals may receive refugee status and will be able to live in the UK permanently. Others may get a five-year visa, which will enable them to live and work in the UK, they will be able to apply for permanent residence at a later point. 

Adequate healthcare, integration, employment training, and education support need to be officials' first and foremost priority. The Red Cross has praised the resilience and human dignity which the refugees have shown. 

Next Up, Taliban Tell Afghan Women to Not Go to Work For Their Safety