Afghanistan live news: Taliban say deadline extension for foreign troops is ‘red line’

We’re fully conscious of that. This is the first phase of our operation, evacuating largely British nationals and those under the ARAP (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) scheme, out in the time that we have.

We will then move to the next phase, whereby we’ll be able to resettle [people] over the coming days, weeks and months, and indeed years, as we did with the Syrian scheme.

Now I appreciate that does, again … it presents challenges for those wishing to leave Afghanistan who might not be based in Kabul, who might have to get to neighbouring countries, for example.

We will continue to provide support through the Foreign Office, there’s contacts both for those within Afghanistan and those outside of Afghanistan who want information about family members they may have remaining. So, we will continue to do everything possible.

source: theguardian.com