Guidance

Transitional accommodation - new ACRS arrivals: policy guidance

Updated 13 August 2024

Introduction

Purpose of the guidance

This guidance sets out the Home Office’s policy position (applicable 1 April 2024 until further notice) relating to those legally resettled under Pathways 2 and 3 of the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS); and currently residing in transitional accommodation. It sets out the process for how new arrivals may be matched to settled accommodation through the existing ‘one allocation’ process, and support for those to find accommodation independently. This guidance remains subject to review and change at the discretion of HM government.

Background

The Home Office has been at the heart of the UK’s response to the fast-moving and challenging events in Afghanistan following the fall of Kabul in August 2021. Operation Pitting was the biggest UK military evacuation for over 70 years and enabled around 15,000 people to leave Afghanistan and get to safety.

Transitional accommodation has been established to provide time-limited safe and secure accommodation for arrivals under the ACRS since December 2023.

Transitional accommodation may only be provided until: accepted moves into settled accommodation take place, the provision of transitional accommodation ends, or the terms of an excluded licence are breached. Settled accommodation is the best long-term solution providing newly arriving individuals and families with the best opportunities to integrate, put down roots, and build their new lives in the UK.

Accommodation matching process

The one accommodation allocation matching process

The Home Office operates a one accommodation allocation matching process across all ACRS pathways. This process applies to ACRS arrivals who are accommodated in transitional accommodation. The one accommodation allocation policy does not apply to ACRS arrivals who are not provided with transitional accommodation. Arrivals can be matched to a property from all 4 UK nations (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). Under this process, arrivals may receive a maximum of one allocation of settled accommodation. An allocation of settled accommodation may be made either while the arrivals are still abroad or while accommodated in transitional accommodation funded and provided by HM government. Arrivals may receive an allocation of accommodation by the Home Office accommodation matching team through one of the following means:

• a local authority settled accommodation match
• a Communities for Afghans (CfA) settled accommodation match
• community sponsorship (Currently applicable to ACRS Pathway 2 only)

Arrivals cannot choose the type of accommodation allocation they receive. Information provided as part of the accommodation matching triage questionnaire, completed by either the International Organization for Migration (IOM) or the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) pre-arrival or upon arrival in the UK by Home Office Liaison Officers (HOLOs), provides the information used to allocate suitable accommodation. The term ‘suitable accommodation’ in the context of the one accommodation matching process means that allocations are made on the basis of need (for example, family size, accessibility needs, etc.) and not based on preferences (for example, location).

Those who wish to discuss their accommodation allocation should contact their Home Office Liaison Officer (HOLO) within 5 working days (7 calendar days) of receiving their allocation. We strongly encourage new arrivals to accept their allocated accommodation as they will not receive another allocation. Refusing an allocation of accommodation means that arrivals will be required to leave transitional accommodation once the notice period elapses.

Voluntary withdrawal and ending of the one accommodation allocation matching process

Arrivals are unlikely to receive an allocation of settled accommodation before arriving in the UK. New arrivals can choose to make their own accommodation arrangements on arrival in the UK, which can include, but are not limited to, staying with friends or family, arranging their own hotel stay at personal cost or entering any form of agreement to occupy accommodation that has not been allocated and funded directly by HM government. This will be viewed as a voluntary withdrawal from the one accommodation allocation matching process. Those who do so will be ineligible to receive an accommodation allocation through the matching process.

All arrivals can choose to make their own accommodation arrangements after arrival in the UK. Those who enter transitional accommodation and go on to successfully sign a tenancy agreement (or other agreement to occupy), moving into accommodation they have independently arranged, will be viewed as voluntarily withdrawing from the matching process.

Those who choose not to enter into an excluded licence agreement to occupy transitional accommodation will be viewed as voluntarily withdrawing from the matching process. All withdrawals will be ineligible to receive a local authority, Community Sponsorship (Pathway 2 only) or Community for Afghans (CfA) accommodation allocation through the matching process.

The accommodation matching process will end when the provision of transitional accommodation ends. Those who have not been made an allocation of settled accommodation before the provision of transitional accommodation ends, will no longer be eligible to receive an allocation under the matching process. They will need to leave transitional accommodation and make their own onward accommodation arrangements which may include making a homelessness application.

All who voluntarily withdraw from the accommodation matching process will be given a minimum of 28 calendar days’ notice to leave transitional accommodation. This will be from either the date that their BRP card was issued, or the date on which they voluntarily withdrew, whichever is later.

Accommodation allocations for large family groups

Any new arrivals, whose accommodation triage information suggests they require settled accommodation consisting for 5 or more bedrooms, will be classed as a large family group.

Large family groups may be allocated accommodation over multiple properties across geographical locations where the following conditions are met:

• they are part of multi-generational families
• they are family groups containing adult offspring or other formally dependent relative (any person over the age of 18)

No allocations of accommodation will be made by HM government that require children under the age of 18 to be accommodated separately from their parents. Additionally, no family members will be required to be housed separately from family members for whom full time dependant caring responsibilities can be evidenced.

An allocation made to part of a large family group is considered under the one accommodation allocation matching process. If part of a large family group rejects an allocation of accommodation, they will not receive another allocation or be included in another part of the same family’s accommodation allocation if this remains outstanding.

Accommodation allocation – medical considerations

The suitability of transitional and settled accommodation may require medical conditions to be considered. It is the responsibility of all new arrivals to communicate new and pre-existing medical conditions to HOLOs. Medical conditions can impact the allocation of both transitional and settled accommodation. Those with medical conditions may asked to sign a medical consent form to allow HM government to have a medical expert assess evidence of and/or medical conditions to inform a decision on the type of transitional or settled accommodation that will be suitable for new arrivals to be accommodated in.

Accommodation allocation rejection process

Those who choose to reject their allocation of settled accommodation, prior to arrival in the UK, will still have their travel to the UK facilitated by HM government. Once in the UK, supported transitional accommodation will be provided for a minimum of 28 days from the date that their BRP cards are issued. After this time elapses, arrivals will be required to leave transitional accommodation and organise their own accommodation.

If arrivals reject their allocation of settled accommodation while in the UK and after entering into an excluded licence, they will be given a minimum of 28 calendar days’ notice to leave transitional accommodation from either the date their BRP was issued, or the date on which they rejected the accommodation allocation, whichever is later.

Refusal to sign a tenancy agreement or to move into settled accommodation previously accepted will be considered a rejection of accommodation under the one allocation matching process. Reasons for rejection are not routinely considered. Rejections of accommodation allocations are taken as final and may not be overturned.

Accommodation charter breaches

Individuals who breach the terms of the accommodation charter may be required to leave transitional accommodation. Where minors or individuals, who are part of a family group breach the terms of the accommodation charter, the linked family group may also be required to leave transitional accommodation.

It shall be at the discretion of the Home Office as to how much notice to provide to leave transitional accommodation once a family member or members has/have breached the accommodation charter. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis but will be a maximum of 28 days. Family members will then be required to leave transitional accommodation and make their own onward accommodation arrangements.

Individuals are not eligible to re-enter transitional accommodation where they:

• choose not to enter transitional accommodation
• leave transitional accommodation through voluntary withdrawal
• move directly into allocated settled accommodation
• leave through excluded licence/accommodation charter breaches
• when the provision of transitional accommodation ends

How to find your own accommodation (FYO) in the private rented sector

The Home Office has partnered with the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to provide arrivals with guidance in seeking their own settled accommodation in the private rented sector through the existing Find Your Own Accommodation (FYO) pathway. Searching for private rented sector accommodation through the FYO pathway is a way to look for housing in areas of their choice.

Find your own accommodation pathway (FYO)

To find their own accommodation, arrivals should:

1. Ask the local authority staff in their transitional accommodation about FYO and how it works, and request documents which explain the process.

2. Start the process by asking local authority support staff to help them complete a financial assessment to work out what they can afford.

3. Discuss possible areas to move to with local authority staff. Local authority staff will contact other local authorities (receiving local authority) to find out whether they can help by providing the resettlement integration package.  Not all local authorities will be able to support, but this does not prevent arrivals from moving to a property that is suitable, affordable and sustainable.

4. Start the property search in the areas agreed. To search for properties, websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, OpenRent should be used, or many others. Enquires about multiple properties should be made to increase their chance of securing one. Local authority staff in transitional accommodation will be available to help with this.

5. Tell the local authority support staff in transitional accommodation when they find a suitable property. The local authority will then inform the receiving local authority of a household’s request to move to their area. The receiving local authority can claim funding to support integration. If the household move without the support of the receiving local authority, they may not receive the integration support or other services they need.

6. Note that the new local authority, if they have agreed to support the move, may be able to help with costs like initial rent, deposits and furniture. They may also provide ongoing resettlement support, like helping to find a nearby school and access to medical services.

The Home Office can help with transport to move guests and their belongings to the new property. Home Office Liaison Officers can arrange this.

More information on how to find accommodation is available in the ‘how to rent’ guide on GOV.UK, available at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-rent.

If the deadline for leaving the transitional accommodation is nearly at hand and they have not secured their own accommodation, we urge arrivals to seek advice from their HOLO, who will be able to advise on their next steps.

Living in transitional accommodation

What is transitional accommodation?

Transitional accommodation is temporary, short-term, time-limited accommodation that is currently offered to individuals and families arriving on the ACRS scheme from December 2023. Transitional accommodation will be offered to all new ACRS Pathway 1,2 and 3 arrivals (with the exception of Pathway 1 arrivals who are joining immediate family members who are already in the UK). Those who accept an accommodation allocation will leave transitional accommodation and move into settled accommodation. Those who reject an allocation of accommodation, breach the accommodation charter or breach the terms of their excluded licence will be asked to leave transitional accommodation. They will be provided with a minimum of 28 calendar days’ notice which will run from either the issuance of their BRP card or the rejection of an accommodation allocation, whichever is later, and will need to make their own onward accommodation arrangements.

Those who are offered and accept transitional accommodation will be required to sign an excluded licence and accommodation charter which sets out our commitments to guests, as well as guests’ responsibilities while in transitional accommodation.

Types of transitional accommodation

Transitional accommodation is any form of accommodation that is funded by, in part or full, and allocated by HM government. Transitional accommodation may be catered or uncatered. In both types of transitional accommodation, rent, council tax and utility bills are funded by HM government.

In catered transitional accommodation, the provision of meals and laundry services are included. Snacks, toiletries, sanitary products and other products are not provided by HM government. In uncatered transitional accommodation, arrivals will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own meals and laundry services in addition to snacks, toiletries, sanitary products and any other products.

Arrivals may be allocated transitional accommodation based on HM government estate capacity. New arrivals cannot choose which type of transitional accommodation they will be placed in. As part of estate capacity management, and to ensure good value for money for the UK taxpayer, those in transitional accommodation may be required to move from one transitional accommodation site and type to another. Refusal to move to different transitional accommodation when requested will constitute a breach of the accommodation charter. Those who refuse will be provided with a minimum of 28 calendar days’ notice which will run from either the issuance of their BRP card or the day they refuse to move into different transitional accommodation, whichever is later and will need to make their own onward accommodation arrangements.

Who is entitled to live in transitional accommodation?

Transitional accommodation may be offered by the Home Office for new arrivals under Pathways 1, 2 & 3 and specific group of Pathway 1 of the (ACRS as defined previously) from December 2023.

Transitional accommodation may be offered and provided when settled accommodation is not ready, or where arrivals are waiting to receive an allocation of settled accommodation, and only until the provision of transitional accommodation ends for the cohort.

Transitional accommodation may be offered for a minimum of 28 calendar days from the issuance of a BRP card on arrival into the UK. On arrival, guests will receive an excluded licence agreement and be given the opportunity to seek their own legal advice on the agreement. Guests may be given a maximum of 7 calendar days to do this.

If guests do not enter into a written excluded licence after 7 calendar days, they will no longer be eligible to remain in transitional accommodation provided by HMG and must leave transitional accommodation and make their own onward accommodation arrangements within 28 days from the issuance of a BRP card.  

If guests wish to continue to be accommodated in transitional accommodation beyond 28 calendar days, they will need to enter into an excluded licence.

Transitional accommodation closure

When will the provision of transitional accommodation end?

This provision may end once one of the following occurs:

• the acceptance of an allocation of settled accommodation which will specify when the move into the property will take place.
• the rejection of an allocation of settled accommodation pre-arrival into the UK. Guests will be provided with a minimum of 28 calendar days accommodation after receiving their BRP card before being required to leave and make their own onward accommodation arrangements.
• the rejection of an allocation of settled accommodation post-arrival. Guests will be provided with a minimum of 28 calendar days accommodation after the issuance of their BRP card or their rejection of accommodation, whichever comes later, before being required to leave and expected to make their own onward accommodation arrangements.
• voluntary withdrawal from the one allocation matching process. Guests will be provided with a minimum of 28 calendar days accommodation after the issuance of their BRP card or their rejection of accommodation, whichever comes later, before being required to leave and expected to make their own onward accommodation arrangements.
• guests being accommodated in the transitional accommodation breach the terms of their excluded licence agreement and/or accommodation charter.
• at the end of the licence period, as detailed in the excluded licence.

What notice will guests receive before their stay in transitional accommodation ends?

Guests will usually receive a minimum of 28 calendar days’ notice if they have entered into an excluded licence. If there has been a breach of the excluded licence, or the circumstances justify it, then a shorter notice period may be given. Guests who have not entered into an excluded licence agreement may be accommodated for a maximum of 28 calendar days’ before being required to leave transitional accommodation.

Those who do not sign an excluded licence agreement will no longer be eligible to stay in transitional accommodation provided by HM government and will need to leave transitional accommodation and make their own onward accommodation arrangements. 

Any case involving a known pregnant woman must be considered sympathetically and on its own merits. To avoid detrimental maternal stress, a mother may be able to remain in transitional accommodation for periods during her pre- and post-natal care, as recommended by a healthcare professional. Those who are pregnant may be asked to sign a medical consent form to allow HM government to have an independent medical expert assess relevant evidence to inform decision making regarding the length of extension in transitional accommodation that may be required.

Settled accommodation

Integration support

Those who move into settled accommodation through the one allocation matching process or FYO may be eligible for a package of integration support provided by the receiving local authority for 3 years, as long as the receiving local authority agree to support.

Guests who choose to move into accommodation through the FYO process without the agreement of the receiving local authority may not be provided with local authority funded integration support.

Entitlement to benefits and public services

Arrivals on ACRS are granted indefinite leave to remain, also known as settlement. Those will ILR have the right to remain in the UK permanently and have, the right, without restriction, to work, education and to rent property.

New arrivals under the ACRS scheme are eligible to access benefits and public services. These include:

• UK benefits system
• public healthcare offered through the National Health Service
• public support services including translation services, and support accessing healthcare providers, education, and employment
• support with finding schools and nurseries including requesting any additional provision for children or vulnerable adults

Support accessing work and training

If individuals receive Universal Credit and are able to work, they are entitled to a work coach. Work coaches help with job searches and can give individual support based on individual need. This support can include:

• helping to identify transferable skills and how these may help in jobs or industries they may not have thought of before
• using their local expertise to help with the job search and to find suitable opportunities
• helping to create, improve, and adapt their CV
• supporting with job applications and providing advice to increase their chance of success
• helping prepare and practice for interviews

Responsibilities once in settled accommodation

Once guests have secured a property, they will be responsible for all rental costs, gas and electricity, water bills, council tax and for purchasing a TV licence (please note, this is not an exhaustive list). This is standard for anyone renting a property in the UK. The Home Office will no longer be liable for any of the costs. Some arrivals may be eligible for housing support. Local authority case workers and DWP can provide guidance on this.

Supporting organisations

Guests must treat partners working to support them in accommodation with respect, in line with the accommodation charter. Any abuse or harassment towards partners will not be tolerated.

The following organisations/teams support guests currently living in transitional accommodation:

Accommodation matching team (Home Office)

The Accommodation Matching Team is responsible for matching Afghan guests in transitional accommodation to settled accommodation allocated by local authority, and matching is subject to there being sufficient suitable available properties.

Local authorities

Local authorities work closely with the Home Office to provide wraparound support services to guests in transitional accommodation and to prepare them to move on to settled accommodation. Some local authorities also pledge to support the scheme and make allocations of settled accommodation. The Home Office Accommodation Matching Team will seek to match suitable households to this accommodation in-line with their current matching process. The settled accommodation put forward by local authorities varies in type, size and tenure. Where a household takes up one of those properties, the local authority commits to providing them with integration support for 3 years. Local authorities might also provide integration support when a household moves to their area under the Find Your Own Accommodation pathway.

Home Office Liaison Officer (HOLO) Team

HOLOs are based in transitional accommodation supporting guests throughout their stay and are the Home Office’s single point of contact for guests in transitional accommodation. HOLOs have a presence across all transitional accommodation and work to resolve issues guests may have during their stay. HOLOs are responsible for managing and supporting guests throughout the process, ensuring that any concerns are logged and addressed. Where issues are raised by guests that are not linked to Home Office functions, HOLOs will refer guests to the relevant authorities or services.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is responsible for helping those in transitional accommodation who are eligible to claim relevant benefits including Universal Credit and State Pension Credit and assisting with queries about employment.

The voluntary and community sector

There is a requirement that guests will treat partners working to support them in accommodation with respect, in line with the accommodation charter. Any abuse or harassment towards partners will not be tolerated.

We expect guests to adhere to their responsibilities, as detailed in the accommodation charter. Failure to do so will result in action being taken.

Accommodation charter - transitional accommodation

There is a requirement that guests will treat partners working to support them in accommodation with respect, in line with the accommodation charter. Any abuse or harassment towards partners will not be tolerated.

We expect guests to adhere to their responsibilities, as detailed in the accommodation charter. Failure to do so will result in action being taken.

The accommodation charter

Your commitment to the Home Office

You will:

• only use the accommodation as ‘living accommodation’ and not allow anyone other than those named in the accommodation booking form to stay overnight, or occupy all or part of the accommodation without permission from the Home Office
• keep the accommodation allocated to you in clean condition and to take reasonable care of all furniture, bed linen and other articles provided. This includes avoiding damage to property within the accommodation
• follow accommodation procedures to securely and hygienically dispose of / recycle all rubbish and remove and dispose of all unwanted items which are not normally collected by refuse collectors
• not commit (or threaten to commit) any form of violence or harassment which may interfere with the peace and comfort of any other person lawfully in the locality of the accommodation
• do not smoke or use other illegal substances in the accommodation (you will be liable for any damages including fines)
• exercise proper control over your children and provide for their care at all times
• notify the accommodation manager of any damage caused by you or your children
• keep noise to a minimum and respect other accommodation users
• not interfere with or remove the safety catches fitted to windows
• not use electrical or other cooking appliances within rooms that contravene fire policy
• not remove any furniture or any item belonging to the hotel or the premises in which the accommodation is located
• not obstruct the common areas of the accommodation with prams, furniture etc
• move accommodation or vacate the property when asked to do so
• return all keys to the accommodation staff and remove all personal possessions, furniture and rubbish when you are leaving. The accommodation accepts no responsibility for anything left in the property

Unreasonable behaviour will not be tolerated, and subsequent action will be taken in accordance with accommodation policy and UK law.

For all Afghanistan resettlement enquires, you can contact the General Immigration Enquiry Line.

Telephone: 0300 790 6268 – select option 2

Monday to Thursday: 9am to 4:45pm
Friday: 9am to 4:30pm

The helpline is closed on bank holidays.

Call charges vary depending on your phone provider and whether you use a landline or mobile.

Further information on call charges is available on GOV.UK.