HC Deb 26 October 1982 vol 29 cc344-5W
Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review his policy towards the granting of political asylum to Iranian nationals and in particular students in the United Kingdom, while the present Khomeni regime remains in power.

Mr. Raison:

Policy towards Iranians is kept under continuous review. We are not persuaded that it would be right to allow all Iranians to remain in this country regardless of circumstances. Every application for asylum is carefully considered in accordance with the immigration rules and the 1951 United Nations convention relating to the status of refugees. Where an applicant expresses a fear of return to his own country but does not qualify for asylum here, he may be allowed to remain, at least for the time being, exceptionally outside the immigration rules. Officials have been instructed to consider applications from Iranians with understanding, humanity and sympathy and to refer cases of continuing doubt to me.