Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what her policy is on refused asylum seekers who comply with her Department's requirements but have no immediate prospect of leaving the UK.

The UK has a long and proud tradition of providing a safe haven to those who genuinely need our protection.

For those who do not need protection they are expected to return home if their claim is refused and dismissed on appeal. All asylum and human rights claims are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with the UK’s obligations under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Where a decision has been made that a person does not require international protection, and there are no remaining rights of appeal or obstacles to their return, the Home Office expects unsuccessful asylum seekers to return voluntarily to their home country. The Home Office can assist persons who wish to return voluntarily. The Home Office’s preferred option is for those who have no legal basis to remain in the UK to leave voluntarily and we offer assistance to those who choose to do so by actively promoting the Home Office Voluntary Return Service. This service offers confidential advice and information to asylum seekers, refugees and people who have remained in the UK without legal status and should return home on a voluntary basis. Individuals who fall within the above categories can obtain further advice by telephoning: 0300 004 0202 or by accessing the website at: www.gov.uk/return-home-voluntarily

If an individual does not leave the UK voluntarily, then it may become necessary to enforce their removal. The Home Office closely monitors developments in all countries of return and takes decisions on a case-by-case basis in the light of international obligations and the latest available country information. The Home Office only enforces removal when it and the courts conclude that it is safe to do so, with a safe route of return.

Enforced removals are carried out in the most sensitive way possible, treating those being removed with respect and courtesy. Details of total numbers of cases who have had asylum claims refused and have no basis to remain having exhausted all appeal rights can be found at:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/asylum-transparency-data-february-2017