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16/06/2003
Home Office to restart screening of Iraqi asylum requests
The Home Office has announced today that consideration of Iraqi asylum claims - suspended at the start of military action - is to be re-started today, following "the fundamental change in the situation in the country".
The Home Office is also to open the option for Iraqis in the UK who want to go back to re-build their country through a voluntary assisted returns programme. However, this will pave the way for enforced returns later this year.
Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes said: "We believe there has been a real and sustained improvement in the situation in Iraq and, while it is obviously in the initial stages of regeneration, the country is now safe for many Iraqis to return to.
"Large numbers of Iraqis have come to the UK to seek asylum in recent years, but the situation in Iraq has now changed and we believe it is time for people to begin returning home to help re-building their country.
"We will therefore now resume consideration of Iraqi asylum claims. As with asylum applications from all nationalities, each case will be considered individually on its merits.
The Home Office suspended the consideration of asylum applications from Iraqis following the start of military action in March. This decision has been kept under review and decisions on applications will now be resumed.
The Immigration Appellate Authority will also start will also start listing Iraqi asylum appeals from today, following a similar suspension.
The government will work with the International Organisation for Migration on a dedicated returns package which will begin at the end of the month.
(GMcG)
The Home Office is also to open the option for Iraqis in the UK who want to go back to re-build their country through a voluntary assisted returns programme. However, this will pave the way for enforced returns later this year.
Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes said: "We believe there has been a real and sustained improvement in the situation in Iraq and, while it is obviously in the initial stages of regeneration, the country is now safe for many Iraqis to return to.
"Large numbers of Iraqis have come to the UK to seek asylum in recent years, but the situation in Iraq has now changed and we believe it is time for people to begin returning home to help re-building their country.
"We will therefore now resume consideration of Iraqi asylum claims. As with asylum applications from all nationalities, each case will be considered individually on its merits.
The Home Office suspended the consideration of asylum applications from Iraqis following the start of military action in March. This decision has been kept under review and decisions on applications will now be resumed.
The Immigration Appellate Authority will also start will also start listing Iraqi asylum appeals from today, following a similar suspension.
The government will work with the International Organisation for Migration on a dedicated returns package which will begin at the end of the month.
(GMcG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Mostly dry south and east, patchy light rain west and north through much of the day. A band of heavier rain crosses central and northern parts in the morning Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Dry in the southeast at first otherwise widespread light rain or drizzle for most, turning to clear spells and a few showers towards morning. Minimum temperature 5 °C.
