The British government has pledged £1.6 million in compensation to hundreds of Afghan nationals endangered by a Ministry of Defence (MoD) data breach during the UK’s 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan. The payments aim to fulfill a promise made after the incident provoked outrage from MPs and human rights groups.

The breach happened in September 2021 as British forces were evacuating Kabul. Sensitive emails related to the Afghan Relocation and Assistance Policy (Arap) scheme were sent without using blind carbon copy (BCC), exposing the identities of 277 applicants.

Many of those affected had worked with British forces and were in hiding from the Taliban when their details were leaked. The error drew immediate criticism for endangering lives during an already volatile period.

Compensation and Accountability

Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard told Parliament on Friday that the MoD would fulfill its 2023 pledge to compensate the victims. Verified individuals will receive a one-time payment of up to £4,000.

“I cannot undo past mistakes,” Pollard said. “But I wish to assure members that in my role, I intend to drive improvement in the department’s data handling training and practices.”

The MoD will reach out directly to each affected person to begin the compensation process. Pollard added that the government would act “as quickly as reasonably practical.”

Arap Scheme Closure and Continued Criticism

The data breach added to growing criticism of the Arap scheme, which was designed to provide sanctuary for Afghans who supported the UK mission. The programme was suddenly closed this week, further frustrating campaigners who have long accused the UK government of delays and mismanagement.

Advocacy groups and MPs say the data breach exemplified the government's failure to adequately protect its allies in Afghanistan. The Information Commissioner’s Office found the MoD at fault following an investigation.