A HUMAN rights foundation director has said that while Ukrainian war refugees “deserve a home” in the UK many Afghans are still “lingering in hotels”.

As thousands of British households have registered their interest in the Homes for Ukraine scheme as millions flee Ukraine in the wake of Russia’s invasion, the UK still has around 12,000 Afghans living in hotels after the Taliban took over their country last year.

Mohammad Asif, based in Glasgow, is the director of the Afghan Human Rights Foundation. He said: “I have the highest sympathy and respect for anyone who helps Ukrainian refugees”

However, the 55-year-old remains frustrated at the number of Afghans still waiting for more permanent accommodation.

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Asif said: “Afghans are still lingering in hotels, no proper future, nothing

“Here in the UK, Afghans are having a very tough time.

“Many have become homeless in England, and suddenly we have resources, we have money (to help other refugees).

“Don’t get me wrong, I feel the pain of Ukrainians. No one can feel their pain better than me because we have been through this.

“They are our brothers and sisters, the Ukrainians. They deserve a home or somewhere to stay in a safe environment, but then it comes to the selective policies of the West.”

The National:

Millions of Ukrainians have fled the country since the Russian invasion began

Asif, who arrived in the UK in 2000 and now lives in Glasgow, said many Afghans stuck in hotels are “having health issues” while he was critical of the language used to distinguish the war in Ukraine from other conflicts.

“Now I realise that it all comes to… what colour skin do you have?” he said.

The Government website showed that, as of March 19, 9500 visas have been issued under the Ukraine Family Scheme out of a total of 30,300 submitted applications.

The separate Homes For Ukraine scheme allowing Britons to provide accommodation for someone fleeing the war zone opened on Friday.

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A Home Office spokesperson said: “Each conflict or scenario requires a bespoke response and our approach to Ukraine has been developed hand in hand with their government.

“Protecting the most vulnerable will always be our top priority and we made it quick and simple for Ukrainians with ties to the UK to come here, as well as ensuring those already here can stay.

“At the same time, we are proud this country has provided homes for more than 4,000 Afghan evacuees in such a short space of time.

“Over 300 local authorities have pledged to support Afghan families so far, and we continue to urge those who have not yet come forward, and those that can offer more housing places, to do so as we resettle up to 20,000 in the coming years.”