Afghan Interpreters Hope to Win Legal Battle for Asylum in Britain

Fearing for their lives, three interpreters from Afghanistan have initiated a legal action for the right to reside in Britain. The lawyers of three of the 500 or so Afghan interpreters have filed for a review by the High Court of the decision of the government of the United Kingdom to deny them the benefits offered Iraqi interpreters.

In the meantime, British Prime Minister David Cameron had asked government officials to put together a generous offer to the Afghan interpreters with the purpose of encouraging them to stay in their native country and contribute to rebuilding it from the ashes of war.

Afghan interpreters played an important role

The British Ministry of Defense employed around 500 Afghan interpreters to assist the British troops when they were in war-torn Afghanistan. The interpreters contributed much to the success of missions conducted by the troops particularly in the rural areas. A very little number speaks English in the rural regions of Afghanistan and the interpreters performed their job not just of translating for the troops but they also served to bridge two very different cultures. The interpreters were also more often the first to identify danger when patrols go out in missions.

Threats

The interpreters have been receiving very threats from Al-Qaeda. Intimidation also comes from Afghan officials and local police who label them spies for the foreigners. Now that the troops are withdrawing fully and going home to the UK, the interpreters are fearful for their lives. British Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has argued on behalf of the interpreters. Those who are fighting for the interpreters’ rights have reminded the UK government that these people have put their lives on the line for Britain and deserve just reward.

Mohammad, an interpreter who worked for the British until the time he was injured in 2006 by a Taliban bomb had to flee his country, leaving his family behind. He was receiving threats in person and by telephone. He says now that he continues to fear for the rest of his family who are currently in hiding in Afghanistan. Mohammad asked the UK government for asylum in June 2011. He was permitted to stay in Britain after winning a much publicized legal battle. The law firm Leigh Day insists that interpreters such as Mohammad should be allowed asylum in the United Kingdom.

The Gateway Program

When the war in Iraq ended, interpreters who worked with British troops were offered asylum and allowed to settle in the UK. The Gateway Program is one of the options provided the interpreters from Iraq. This program is run by the British government alongside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. The two other options given Iraqi interpreters are (1) indefinite leave to stay in Britain with assistance to relocate, and (2) a form of financial assistance.

Legal battle

Leigh Day solicitor Rosa Curling, who is legal counsel for the Afghan interpreters, says that this fight is about getting the recognition that these brave people deserve. She adds that they are now in danger as well as their families because of the work that they have done for the British forces. And the British government must do something for them now such as providing a proper resettlement offer.