Written question asked by Sian C James (Labour) on Monday, 7 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 9 November 2005. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Monday, 21 November 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Somalia

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the implications of the political instability in Somalia for his policy of repatriation of Somalian asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: We continue to monitor closely political developments in Somalia and the progress of the transitional Somali Government. The new Somali Government is in the process of deciding where in southern Somalia to base itself and we are aware of the ongoing difficulties it faces in establishing its authority in the country.Each application is considered against the background of the latest available information about the situation in the country of origin. These sources include intergovernmental organisations, governmental sources and human rights organisations. Full account is taken of the ability of the individual concerned to reside safely in other parts of Somalia where it is not safe for them to return to their home area. Caseworkers have access to the Somalia Country report produced by the Immigration and Nationality Directorate Country of Origin Information Service as well as the Somalia Operational Guidance Note which assesses the most common types of asylum claims received and the circumstances in which they are likely to prove well founded or unfounded.

Secondary information