Asylum

(asked on 5th April 2017) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their estimate of the number of refused asylum seekers currently in the UK who have no immediate prospect of leaving.


Answered by
Baroness Williams of Trafford Portrait
Baroness Williams of Trafford
Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)
This question was answered on 20th April 2017

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

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. Further details can be viewed at;

But if an individual does not leave the UK voluntarily, then it will 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:

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