Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 December 2005. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 December 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Asylum/Immigration

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to ensure (a) that Iraqi failed asylum seekers are returned to their town of origin, (b) that their safety is guaranteed and (c) that they receive assistance to readjust to life in Iraq.

Answer: All cases are taken forward on a case by case basis and we will return individuals to their home towns in those particular areas assessed as sufficiently stable.The Home Office will enforce the return of Iraqis only if satisfied that they will not be at risk. These will be individuals whose asylum claim has been turned down on the basis that they are not at risk of persecution and do not need humanitarian protection.As highlighted in previous announcements, in light of current circumstances in Iraq, there is a package of support in place for the enforced returnees. This includes $100 USD cash payment, access to re-skilling training and provision of transport to their home address in Iraq.

Secondary information