§ Mr. BluntTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many failed asylum seekers in 2000(a) left voluntarily and (b) were involuntarily deported. [158272]
§ Mrs. RocheThe number of failed asylum seekers who were removed in 2000 was 8,980. This figure includes 550 people who left under the Voluntary Assisted Returns Programme (VARP). It also includes people who left voluntarily in accordance with arrangements notified to the Immigration Service following the commencement of enforcement action. It is not possible to quantify the latter group. However, with the exception of those leaving under VARP, all recorded removals are enforced to some extent, either by escorting to the final point of destination or by the Immigration Service arranging or monitoring the departure. Information is not available on people who leave voluntarily without informing the Immigration Service.