Iraqi Interpreters Debate

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Department: Home Office
Thursday 14th October 2021

(3 years, 1 month ago)

Lords Chamber
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Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)
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As I say, anyone from Iraq now wanting to come to the UK can apply for a visa through the wider immigration system and applications can be made through the UK’s resettlement schemes, which offer a route for UNHCR-recognised refugees in need of our protection who have fled their country of origin.

Lord Flight Portrait Lord Flight (Con)
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Does the Minister agree that, where an overseas individual has worked for the British Armed Forces, they should in principle enjoy the protection of the British Armed Forces, particularly where they have worked as an interpreter?

Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait Baroness Williams of Trafford (Con)
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The ARAP scheme and the locally employed staff assistance scheme in Iraq were set up for precisely that purpose.