---

Asylum/Immigration

Answer

In respect of voluntary returns through Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, returnees assisted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are met upon arrival by the IOM. Arrangements are in place at both airports which allow the IOM and their representatives unrestricted access, enabling staff to provide assistance to returnees from the moment they land. They are assisted through immigration, baggage retrieval and customs formalities.The IOM arranges with local transportation companies in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah for returnees to be transported via bus or car to their final destination within the three Northern Governorates and their immediate vicinity, this means Kirkuk and Mosul. Arrival is confirmed by the transportation company. For returns through Baghdad, passengers are met at the airport by IOM staff. Only one company is able to provide transportation from Baghdad International airport. The IOM arranges for the returnees to be taken to Baghdad's main land transportation hubs where onward travel is organised either by taxi or bus. For enforced returns, there is clearly a difficult position in those parts of Iraq most affected by insurgent action, but it is not accepted that this applies to all areas.Returns are taken forward on a case by case basis and are only enforced to areas assessed as sufficiently stable and where the Home Office is satisfied that the individual concerned will not be at risk of persecution or in need of humanitarian protection. The 15 individuals who were removed on an enforced return flight to Erbil on 20 November 2005 were offered onward transport to their home town or village.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

65623; 446 c312-3W

Session

2005-06

Subjects

Asylum Deportation Iraq Repatriation

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk