Written question asked by David Lidington (Conservative) on Wednesday, 31 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 5 February 2001. It was answered by Barbara Roche (Labour) on Monday, 5 February 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will list the immigration status of those persons who claimed asylum after arriving on the hijacked Afghan airliner in February 2000, how many such persons have left the United Kingdom to date; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the immigration status of those persons who claimed asylum after arriving on the hijacked Afghan airliner in February 2000, how many such persons have left the United Kingdom to date; and if he will make a statement. [148821] Mrs. Roche: Of the 170 passengers who arrived on the aircraft, 81 returned to Afghanistan. 51 passengers claimed asylum. Because of the exceptional circumstances of the hijack and the wider issues surrounding it, the Home Secretary personally decided each of the asylum claims. Of the cases which have been considered to date, four have been granted asylum and 35 refused. 30 of the subsequent appeals to the independent appellate authority have been dismissed, confirming the Home Secretary's original decision. The appellants whose appeals were dismissed are entitled to remain in the United Kingdom pending the outcome of their appeals to the tribunal.

Secondary information