Information for new arrivals

UNHCR conducts registration for people seeking asylum and determination of whether they are refugees. UNHCR partners help us do this registration. You can find information on asylum in Pakistan here. Please note that there is currently a considerable waiting time for the interview appointments to be made.  If you have an urgent protection issue in the interim, please call the Protection Helpline in your area.

Some countries have established specific programs for Afghan nationals who have worked with or were affiliated with countries to apply for permission to travel to those countries. Please note that these programs are established by these countries, and UNHCR does not refer individuals to these programs, nor is it able to support, process or submit applications on behalf of individuals. The details of these programs can be found on the websites of the respective countries, such as the following:

US
The United States manages some opportunities for Afghan nationals who have worked or have been affiliated with the US government, military, NGO’s one media. Please visit the following sites from the US State Department for more details:

Canada

The Canadian program set-up for Afghan nationals whose ” employment involved a significant and/or enduring relationship with the Government of Canada”, including interpreters for the Canadian military and local staff who worked for the Canadian Embassy. Please visit the following site for details:
Special Program for Afghans for Assisted Canada

UK
The UK manage some programs for current and former locally employed staff in Afghanistan. Please visit the following site for details.
Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (ARAP)