New figures have shown that 37 Afghan refugees were living in Blackburn with Darwen at the end of March.

For the first time, the Home Office has released figures on where Afghan refugees are staying in the UK.

In addition, the figures show 69 Ukrainians living in the area through the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme, which facilitates UK citizens to sponsor and temporarily house refugees fleeing the conflict with Russia.

The Government launched two schemes to relocate Afghan citizens in 2021 and 2022 in response to the Taliban retaking control of the country.

READ MORE: Anti-immigration bill petition drafted by Lancashire trade unionists

These schemes have a particular focus on helping those who worked with the UK during the war in Afghanistan, and vulnerable groups – such as women, children, and LGBTQ groups.

In total, the UK has taken in 175,000 refugees through the sponsorship scheme and the ‘Ukraine Family Scheme’, which grants Ukrainians the opportunity to live with family in the UK. The two Afghan schemes – which aim to resettle refugees permanently – have seen just over 21,000 arrivals.

Cllr Damian Talbot, executive member for public health, prevention, and wellbeing at Blackburn with Darwen council, said: “Blackburn with Darwen has a long history of welcoming refugees fleeing violence and war from all over the world. This includes us taking part in schemes specifically for Afghanistan and Ukraine.

"For both of these, we provide a comprehensive offer helping refugees to acclimatise to the UK, learn the language where necessary, and help people to engage in education and find work, enabling self-sufficiency and social integration.”

The Refugee Council charity said routes for Afghans trying to settle in the UK are “restrictive” and “complex”.

Enver Solomon, CEO of the organisation, said: “Many people are left in a truly desperate situation, forcing them to embark on dangerous journeys in search of protection.

“That’s why we see so many Afghan refugees risking their lives crossing the Channel, while practically no Ukrainians have had to resort to a dangerous crossing thanks to the success and workability of the Ukrainian schemes.

“We must see the government scale up its efforts and offer protection to Afghan men, women, and children who are vulnerable to persecution by the Taliban, as well as other people fleeing war and persecution in other parts of the world.”

Data from the ONS shows around 606,000 more people are estimated to have moved to the UK than left in the 12 months to December.

READ MORE: Salvation Army awarded contract to support refugees in Hyndburn

Home Office data further shows 355 people were receiving asylum support in Blackburn with Darwen at this point – and there were six unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, according to figures from the Department for Education.

A Home Office spokesperson said: “Each crisis situation requires a tailored response and our bespoke schemes for Ukrainians and Afghans have provided a route to safety to the UK for tens of thousands of vulnerable people.

“We remain committed to reducing overall net migration, while stopping the boats and delivering control of our borders, prioritising tackling abuse and preventing dangerous and illegal crossings.”