Since October, a significant effort has been underway to relocate over 5,000 Afghans to military bases throughout the UK under a mission called Operation Lazurite. Initially reported by The Independent last November, this operation focuses on providing safety for those Afghans who worked closely with British forces and are at risk of persecution or violence following the Taliban's takeover.

Relocated individuals are temporarily staying at seven military bases located in various areas including Leicestershire, Wiltshire, South Wales, Inverness, and Dorset. The UK Ministry of Defence is coordinating these movements from Pakistan, allowing Afghan allies the right to live and work in the UK through the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (Arap), which aims to support those eligible.

While around 700 homes have been earmarked for Afghan families, the Ministry of Defence is also collaborating with local councils to secure further housing in communities. The origins of Operation Lazurite date back to last October when Afghan allies filed a legal claim regarding the government’s delays in their relocation attempts.

Sources from Whitehall have indicated that the figures surrounding the number of relocated Afghans have not been publicly disclosed due to political sensitivities associated with immigration. It's important to highlight that these Afghans are classified as 'eligible persons' who have been granted indefinite leave to remain, as opposed to illegal immigrants or asylum seekers. The Ministry of Defence has chosen not to provide any comment on this situation.