Written question asked by Andrew Smith (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 November 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 November 2007. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Monday, 14 January 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Entry Clearances: Iraq

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Iraqi (a) interpreters and (b) other employees of the British armed forces have been granted admission to the UK.

Answer: [holding answer 27 November 2007]: No Iraqi interpreters or other employees of the British armed forces have yet been granted admission to the UK under the scheme of assistance for locally engaged Iraqi staff that was announced by the Prime Minister on 8 October, and which was outlined in more detail by the Foreign Secretary in his written ministerial statement of 30 October. Employing Departments are in the process of confirming eligibility for the scheme from those applicants who have expressed an interest and we are working to ensure suitable reception arrangements are in place for their arrival. We anticipate the first admissions to the UK will take place in late January.Information on how many interpreters or other employees of the British forces have been granted admission to the UK outside this scheme is only available at disproportionate cost.

Secondary information