Provider memo 53: Amendments to chapter 2 of the provider guidance
Updated 4 April 2024
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This memo is for Work and Health Programme (WHP) providers.
Issued by: Work and Health Programme Operational Policy Team
Background
1. This memo informs you of an amendment that has been made to Work and Health Programme (COVID 19) including JETS provider guidance chapter 2 (Participant identification, eligibility and referral) about the inclusion of a new Early Access Group (EAG) for Afghan Resettlers.
2. A new EAG is required to ensure that Afghan Resettlers can access the Work and Health Programme on a voluntary basis if they are eligible and suitable to provide them with additional employment support. This group of customers have been classed as a key priority group by government.
3. The eligibility definition for this group is included in Annex 1
Summary and action
4. The information in Work and Health Programme (COVID-19) including JETS provider guidance should be read in full and used by you and all of your supply chain partners. Particular attention should be given to chapter 2 and the content of this memo.
Table of changes
| Chapter | Paragraph | Title | Summary of change | Date of guidance change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 18 | Participant identification, eligibility and referral. | Inclusion of a new Early Access Group “an Afghan Resettler” | 15 December 2021 |
Further Information
5. If you have any queries about this memo, please contact: whp.enquiries@dwp.gov.uk
Annex 1
Eligibility
You could be eligible if you live in England or Wales and you’re:
- a person resettled from Afghanistan in connection with the collapse of the Afghan government that took place on 15 August 2021
The Home Office has announced that those arriving in the UK under these relocation and resettlement schemes will be granted Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain, with the exception of initial arrivals under the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) who have been initially granted 6-month Leave Outside the Rules ahead of being granted Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain. Granting Indefinite Leave to Enter or Remain provides certainty and stability to those resettling in the UK. It provides the right to work and recourse to public funds, including Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits and services.
Further detail
People eligible for early access will be persons who have arrived in the UK under one of the following relocation and resettlement schemes established by the Home Office:
- Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)
- Previous scheme for locally-employed staff in Afghanistan (ex-gratia scheme)
- Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)
1. Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP)
This scheme is for Afghans, and their family members, who worked alongside British Government officials in Afghanistan. The scheme opened in April 2021 and it is estimated that approximately 6,900 Afghans and their dependants have been evacuated so far, with 5,000 being evacuated between 15 and 29 August.
2. Previous scheme for locally-employed staff in Afghanistan (ex-gratia scheme)
This scheme was announced in December 2012 and was set up to support locally employed staff who have worked for the British forces. This scheme is set to close in November 2022.
3. The Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS)
This scheme will provide those put at risk by recent events in Afghanistan with a route to safety to the UK. The plan is to resettle up to 20,000 people at risk, including 5,000 in the first year.
Further information about the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme
Early access will also be allowed for any person not covered by one of the above schemes but who has left Afghanistan in connection with the collapse of the Afghan government that took place on 15 August 2021.