Around 20,000 Afghans are to be welcomed to resettle in the UK after Taliban seized control of Kabul, reports revealed on Wednesday.
This step is a part of a new scheme to provide sanctuary for those most at risk of persecution by the Taliban.
In the first year, 5,000 refugees will be eligible - with women, girls and others in need having priority.
On her part, Home Secretary Priti Patel urged other countries to help, writing in the Daily Telegraph "we cannot do this alone."
Nevertheless, opposition parties have criticized the settlement scheme for not going far enough.
The existing scheme includes interpreters and other staff who worked for the UK. In addition, 5,000 Afghans and family members are expected to benefit from that policy.
Parliament has been recalled and Prime Minister Boris Johnson will open a debate in the House of Commons about the situation in Afghanistan from 09:30 BST on Wednesday, according to reports.
Furthermore, Downing Street said Johnson spoke to U.S. President Joe Biden about the evacuation of Kabul.
The leaders "resolved to continue working closely together on this in the days and weeks ahead to allow as many people as possible to leave the country."
"The prime minister stressed the importance of not losing the gains made in Afghanistan over the last 20 years, of protecting ourselves against any emerging threat from terrorism, and of continuing to support the people of Afghanistan."
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