LONDON — March 28, 2026 : The United Kingdom has overturned 884 previously rejected resettlement applications from former members of elite Afghan special forces units known as the “Triples,” allowing them to relocate under the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP), following the completion of a comprehensive government review.
The decision, confirmed on March 26, 2026, applies to personnel from Commando Force 333 (CF333) and Afghan Task Force 444 (ATF444). These individuals, whose earlier applications had been denied, will now proceed through standard visa, biometric, and security checks before resettlement in the UK is finalized.
Review of Triples Applications
The reversal follows a multi-phase review process initiated after the UK government acknowledged shortcomings in earlier decision-making. In February 2024, the then-Conservative government stated that a number of refusals concerning Triples personnel had been “not robust” and required reassessment.
The review ultimately examined approximately 3,100 to 3,300 applications submitted by former members of the Triples. Initially, many applications were rejected due to a lack of documented evidence demonstrating direct employment by the UK government.
During the reassessment, officials identified additional records, including salary payments, top-up allowances, and financial links provided through the Ministry of Defence and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office up until 2021. These findings supported eligibility under multiple ARAP categories, specifically those covering direct employment, substantive support roles, and contributions to UK national security objectives.
Role and Structure of the Triples Units
The Triples units—CF333 and ATF444—were specialized Afghan counter-terrorism forces closely partnered with British special forces over nearly two decades of operations in Afghanistan.
CF333 was established in 2002 as a counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism unit, while ATF444 was formed in 2007 with a focus on reconnaissance and targeted operations. Although formally under the Afghan Ministry of Interior, both units operated in coordination with UK special forces, including the Special Air Service (SAS) and Special Boat Service (SBS).
These units conducted high-risk missions against Taliban and insurgent targets, often alongside British personnel. Some members were killed during joint operations.
ARAP Framework and Eligibility
The Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) was launched in April 2021, prior to the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. The program was designed to provide relocation support to individuals whose safety was threatened due to their work with UK Armed Forces or government departments.
Former Triples personnel were considered eligible under ARAP due to their operational integration with British forces. However, inconsistencies in documentation and classification contributed to initial refusals.
The review process addressed these gaps by incorporating broader evidentiary standards, including financial records and operational links, leading to the reversal of 884 decisions across both review phases.
Government Statement and Process Improvements
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Luke Pollard, in a written update to Parliament on March 26, confirmed the conclusion of the review and outlined the outcomes.
He stated that all affected applicants have been or will be contacted regarding their updated status. Pollard also noted that the review process led to improvements in ARAP case handling, including enhanced staff training, revised guidance, increased resources, and better digital record management systems.
The minister acknowledged that delays in resolving the cases had been a matter of concern and regret for the government, while emphasizing that the review fulfilled a commitment to reassess the applications thoroughly.
Post-2021 Developments and Military Assessment
Following the UK-led evacuation from Kabul in August 2021 under Operation Pitting, British military officials assessed that members of the Triples units were among the most capable elements of the former Afghan security forces.
At the time, the Ministry of Defence considered proposals to form a dedicated regiment within the British Army composed of evacuated Afghan commandos. These personnel were regarded as highly trained, operationally experienced, and familiar with British military standards due to their long-standing collaboration.
Next Steps for Approved Applicants
With the reversal of their application decisions, the **884 individuals—along with eligible family members—**will now move forward in the ARAP process. This includes completion of visa processing, biometric verification, and security screening prior to relocation.
All updated decisions retain the option for further review if required. The completion of the Triples review forms part of the UK government’s broader objective to conclude the Afghan resettlement program within the current parliamentary term.
The outcome addresses earlier concerns regarding the consistency of ARAP assessments, particularly for personnel who served in units closely integrated with UK special forces operations.
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