Afghan Refugee Crisis Creates Small Boat Dilemma 2 Years On

Cabinet minister acknowledges government mistakes

Illegal immigrants react onboard UK Border Force vessel HMC Speedwell after being picked up at sea, as they are brought into the Marina in Dover, southeast England, on Dec. 21, 2021. Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Images

As Western allies mark two years since the Taliban retook Kabul, calls from aid organisations have come to further help Afghan refugees reach the UK legally, with many attempting to arrive across the Channel illegally in small boats.

The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan on Aug. 15, 2021 as Western forces, including Britain and the United States, hurriedly made their withdrawal after a 20-year occupation.