UK Government Launches Secret Afghan Relocation Program Following Data Breach

Thu Jul 17 2025 20:25:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
UK Government Launches Secret Afghan Relocation Program Following Data Breach

A recent data leak forced the UK government to implement a covert relocation initiative for Afghan refugees after personal information of thousands was exposed.


Following an inadvertent data breach revealing the personal details of nearly 19,000 Afghan applicants aiming to relocate to the UK after the Taliban's return to power, the UK government has launched a secret Afghan relocation scheme. The initiative, costing around £400 million, has so far welcomed 4,500 Afghans while raising serious concerns about data privacy and governmental accountability.


The UK government has initiated a clandestine relocation scheme for Afghans after a significant data breach that exposed personal details of nearly 19,000 individuals who sought refuge in the UK post-Taliban takeover. The dataset, which was inadvertently leaked by a British defense official in February 2022, became public knowledge when parts of it were disclosed on Facebook in August 2023.

In response, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) implemented the Afghan Response Route, facilitating the arrival of 4,500 Afghans in the UK. An additional 600 individuals and their families are expected to be processed, with the overall cost of this initiative estimated between £400 million to £450 million. The details of this covert scheme, initiated in April 2024, were previously kept confidential due to a superinjunction, which was recently lifted by a High Court ruling.

Defence Secretary John Healey provided an insight into the breach, describing it as a "serious departmental error". He noted that the data leak resulted from a spreadsheet being sent outside of authorized government systems, exacerbating concerns regarding the security of applicants, many of whom are believed to be at risk of Taliban persecution. Despite the gravity of the breach, the Metropolitan Police have decided against pursuing a criminal investigation.

The disclosed dataset included the names, personal information, and some family details of individuals applying for the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (Arap), established as US troops completed their withdrawal in August 2021. Arap has faced substantial scrutiny over its handling of evacuees, with a 2022 inquiry labeling its execution a "disaster".

With the unsealing of the superinjunction, Justice Chamberlain remarked on the critical need for accountability in democratic processes, highlighting that the previous restrictions hampered public scrutiny and oversight.

As this developing situation unfolds, new information will continue to emerge, and updates will be provided as they become available.

MORE ON THEME

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:38:02 GMT

Qantas Faces Major Data Breach Affecting Six Million Customers

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 15:38:02 GMT
Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:33:48 GMT

Qantas Faces Data Breach Affecting Six Million Customers

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:33:48 GMT
Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:54:33 GMT

Ticket Touts Exploit Global Workforce to Resell Concert Tickets at Inflated Prices

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 00:54:33 GMT
Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:07:54 GMT

**Uber Accelerates Driverless Taxi Trials in the UK**

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:07:54 GMT
Sun, 08 Jun 2025 11:14:40 GMT

British Soldier Under Investigation for Alleged Rape in Kenya

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 11:14:40 GMT
Sun, 08 Jun 2025 10:00:42 GMT

British Soldier Arrested in Kenya Amid Rape Allegations

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 10:00:42 GMT
Mon, 26 May 2025 00:03:16 GMT

Urgent Call to Resume Processing of Syrian Asylum Claims as Thousands Await Decisions

Mon, 26 May 2025 00:03:16 GMT
Thu, 22 May 2025 09:06:49 GMT

Last-Minute Legal Action Halts Chagos Islands Deal

Thu, 22 May 2025 09:06:49 GMT
Tue, 13 May 2025 13:32:14 GMT

M&S Confirms Customer Data Breach Due to Cyberattack

Tue, 13 May 2025 13:32:14 GMT
Fri, 02 May 2025 16:50:25 GMT

Meta Contemplates Shutting Down Facebook Over Regulatory Disputes in Nigeria

Fri, 02 May 2025 16:50:25 GMT
Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:31:57 GMT

Security Breach Exposes 1.5 Million Private Images from Kink and LGBT Dating Apps

Sun, 30 Mar 2025 00:31:57 GMT
Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:22:01 GMT

23andMe Files for Bankruptcy Protection Amid Financial Struggles

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 12:22:01 GMT
Mon, 24 Mar 2025 07:46:18 GMT

23andMe Enters Bankruptcy Protection Amid Leadership Shakeup and Consumer Concerns

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 07:46:18 GMT
Mon, 03 Mar 2025 02:36:50 GMT

The 'Time Lords': UK's Innovative Response to GPS Jamming Threats

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 02:36:50 GMT
Sun, 02 Mar 2025 21:07:01 GMT

Belfast Missile Factory Secures Major Contract to Supply Ukraine

Sun, 02 Mar 2025 21:07:01 GMT
Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:11:41 GMT

Jeff Bezos Halts Major Climate Funding Amid Shift to Defense Investments

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 17:11:41 GMT
Wed, 12 Feb 2025 04:20:45 GMT

Goldman Sachs Abandons Internal Diversity Policy, Cites Progress Made

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 04:20:45 GMT
Wed, 12 Feb 2025 01:34:54 GMT

Goldman Sachs Moves On From Diversity Mandate Amid Changing Landscape

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 01:34:54 GMT
Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:35:46 GMT

Japanese Ministry Worker Loses Sensitive Data on Night Out

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:35:46 GMT
Sat, 25 Jan 2025 18:57:29 GMT

Trump Administration Halts Refugee Flights for Afghan Allies

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 18:57:29 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.