LONDON, June 4 (UPI) -- As withdrawal of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan edges closer, Britain has decided to offer resettlement to many of its Afghan employees.
The decision was announced in a written statement to Parliament Defense Secretary Philip Hammond.
The exact number of local-hires was not disclosed, but a government announcement said about 1,200 would be eligible for a benefits scheme, including 600 who would be eligible to resettle in Britain, with initial monetary benefits and accommodation.
The government, it said "had decided to implement a generous package of training and support for its locally engaged staff in Afghanistan in recognition of their contribution to the shared goal of a more secure, stable and prosperous Afghanistan."
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"Without them, the U.K.'s contribution to the international mission would not have been possible," the statement quoted Hammond as saying.
Those eligible for resettlement -- and who could face terrorist retribution if they remained in Afghanistan -- are employees such as interpreters who worked with the troops in the field. Their families would be included.
"To be eligible for resettlement in the U.K., local staff must have routinely worked in dangerous and challenging roles in Helmand [province] outside protected bases," the government said. "Seriously injured staff, who might have qualified had their employment not been terminated due to injuries sustained in combat, are also included.
"Local staff who were contracted by the U.K. but who mostly worked for Danish or Estonian forces and who meet the criteria above, are also eligible."
Britain is also offering severance packages to other workers among the eligible pool of 1,200 who do not qualify for resettlement and will remain in Afghanistan: as much as five years of training or education and a living stipend for that period, based on their final salary, or financial severance payments which would represent 18 months' salary.
