A report by Sky News reveals that hundreds of former Afghan special forces soldiers now living in the UK are urging the government to let them join the British Army.
Approximately 1,400 of these elite troops, trained by British mentors, were evacuated to the UK following the Taliban takeover in August 2021.
Many of these highly skilled soldiers, like Noor Aziz Ahmadzai, express frustration at working in low-skilled jobs despite their expertise in counter-terrorism.
They feel overlooked by the Ministry of Defence and are eager to utilize their training to serve the country that offered them sanctuary.
Current regulations require a five-year residency for citizenship before enlistment is possible, a rule criticized by former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat.
Critics argue that failing to fast-track these experienced soldiers represents a missed opportunity for the British military, which is currently facing recruitment challenges.
