Thousands of Afghans, who have had worked for the British military as supporting local staff during its stay in Afghanistan, will be granted permission to settle in the UK, the British government announced, after considering the threat to their lives as foreign forces are withdrawing. 

The move came as a somewhat departing gift to local people who, for years, had worked as translators and in other capacities, to the UK forces in the country, reported TOLOnews. 

“Following the decision to begin the withdrawal of military forces from Afghanistan, the prime minister has agreed with the Ministry of Defence, Home Office, and Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government to rapidly accelerate applications through the policy,” a statement released by the British government reads.

“With Western powers leaving Afghanistan, the threat is increasing and has increased, including targeted attacks by the Taliban,” Ben Wallace, the UK’s defense secretary, was quoted as saying by Tolonews. 

Media reports have suggested locals who have had worked for foreign militaries are now increasingly worried about their safety. These people have always remained in the crosshairs of the Taliban- the main Afghan insurgent group that has waged a two-decade-long insurgency. 

“This is allowing people a route to the United Kingdom for safety, the people who supported the British armed forces and the British government over many, many years in Afghanistan who feel they are in danger and it's absolutely right that we stand by those people,” Wallace said. 

The exact number of people to be allowed in the UK isn’t yet clear. The report, however, claimed around 3000 people, including the family members, will get permission.