Written question asked by Baroness Cox (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Scotland of Asthal (Labour) on Thursday, 22 June 2006.

Immigration: Involuntary Returns

Question: Whether Sudan is defined as an appropriate nation for the purposes of the involuntary return of deportees.

Answer: Asylum claims from all nationalities, including those from Sudan, are considered on a case-by-case basis. We fully recognise that the conditions in Sudan are such that there are individuals who are able to demonstrate a need for international protection. We do not however consider that each and every Sudanese national who applies for asylum is in need of international protection. Individual Sudanese claimants who have been found by both the Home Office and the independent appeals process not to be in need of international protection are expected to return to Sudan voluntarily. Those who do not avail themselves of the opportunity to return voluntarily may have their return enforced. We would of course not seek to remove any Sudanese national who has been found to be in need of international protection.

Secondary information