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<p>Under the original terms of the Ex-Gratia Scheme, Former Locally Employed Staff
(LES) who were deemed eligible for relocation to the UK were required to bring their
family members with them at the same time as they themselves were relocated. For a
variety of reasons, not all of them did so. 138 former LES were relocated to the UK
on their own, but it is not known how many of them may have left behind family members
who were eligible for relocation related to the Ex-Gratia Scheme. To join them subsequently,
those family members still in Afghanistan were required to meet applicable Home Office
immigration rules independently of the Ex-Gratia Scheme.</p><p>The Home Office amended
the immigration rules related to the Ex-Gratia Scheme earlier this year and those
changes came into effect on 6 April 2019. As of 12 April 2019, the Department has
received a single application, though it is estimated that the family members of 30
former LES will be eligible. Applications will be processed as quickly as possible.
Ministry of Defence officials expect the majority of family members to arrive within
six months of their application.</p>
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