Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Caroline Nokes and Gordon Henderson

Monday 16th July 2018 Commons Chamber

[Gordon Henderson (Sittingbourne and Sheppey) (Con)]

15. What his Department’s target is for the length of time between a person’s immigration application being refused and their being deported from the UK.

[The Minister for Immigration (Caroline Nokes)]

There is no set time, as each case progresses on its own merits. Wherever possible, we afford people the opportunity to arrange a voluntary return to their country of origin. If someone does not comply with our directions to leave the UK, we will pursue an enforced removal. Again, timescales will depend on individual circumstances.

[Gordon Henderson]

I am very grateful to my right hon. Friend for that response, but can she reassure me that the Department is balancing the need to tackle illegal immigration with the need to protect those who have migrated to Britain legally?

[Caroline Nokes]

My hon. Friend is of course absolutely right to point out how important it is that we distinguish between people who settle here legally and those who are here illegally. It is vital that the compliant environment protects vulnerable people and that appropriate safeguards are built into the measures. We remain committed to tackling illegal immigration and to encouraging compliance with our rules and laws.