Britain has confirmed plans to resettle around 600 interpreters working for the British Army in Afghanistan.
U.K. Defense Secretary Philip Hammond said in a statement on June 4 that Afghan interpreters who had worked with British forces for more than one year would be allowed relocate in Britain on five-year visas.
Hammond said the plan would not apply to interpreters whose employment ended before December 19 last year.
Hammond added that Afghan staff who did not meet those requirements would receive an education package in Afghanistan and wages equivalent to their current salary or be given a severance package of 18 months' salary.
Britain's plan comes after its previous policy of encouraging interpreters to stay in their homeland provoked angry reactions and several lawsuits by its current and former staff in Afghanistan.
U.K. Defense Secretary Philip Hammond said in a statement on June 4 that Afghan interpreters who had worked with British forces for more than one year would be allowed relocate in Britain on five-year visas.
Hammond said the plan would not apply to interpreters whose employment ended before December 19 last year.
Hammond added that Afghan staff who did not meet those requirements would receive an education package in Afghanistan and wages equivalent to their current salary or be given a severance package of 18 months' salary.
Britain's plan comes after its previous policy of encouraging interpreters to stay in their homeland provoked angry reactions and several lawsuits by its current and former staff in Afghanistan.