650 Afghan language interpreters working for the British military in Afghanistan may be offered sanctuary in the United Kingdom, according to British Government officials.

British and NATO troops are scheduled to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014 and support is growing to make an offer of asylum to the language interpreters, who have risked their lives and are regarded as traitors by the Taliban.

"British forces would not have been able to do their work effectively without the invaluable help of translators,” said General Sir Richard Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff.

“While each case should be looked into on its own merits, there should, nevertheless, be a presumption to grant such residence in the UK or a third party country, if one can be found," Dannatt said.

According to Paddy Ashdown, the former Liberal Democrat leader and diplomat, the offer of sanctuary was "the least we can do for men who've given so much to help save British lives.”

Most NATO countries with troops on the ground in Afghanistan have granted asylum to their Afghan interpreters.

The language interpreters are supported by Alex Ford, who has 25 years of service with the Royal Air Force, including time in Afghanistan.

"Our job would have been impossible without them – they stood shoulder to shoulder with us in the line of fire. But while I've returned to a safe home here in Britain, they still face appalling risks for the help they gave us,” Ford said.

A statement from the British Foreign Office outlined the government’s position:

"People who have put their life on the line for the United Kingdom will not be abandoned.

"Locally engaged Afghan staff working for our armed forces and civilian missions in Afghanistan make an invaluable contribution to the UK's efforts to help support the spread of security, stability and development in their country.

"We take our responsibility for all members of staff very seriously and have put in place measures to reduce the risks they face… We follow an agreed cross-government policy for considering cases of intimidation or injury on a case by case basis. The policy ensures that we take into account the individual circumstances of each case and allows us to decide a proportionate response."

Further information on the UK Government’s position on this matter may be found on the British Foreign Office website.

By Alex Dupont
Marketing Communications Specialist
Language Translation Inc.

See Also

• Language interpreting is the process of translating spoken words from one language into another.
  Afghan language interpreters, who work mostly in Helmand province, are paid more than £1,000 a month, but the risks are high.
• Britain could offer asylum to Afghan war translators
  The Government may offer 650 Afghan translators working for the British military the chance of sanctuary in Britain, officials have revealed.