HC Deb 19 July 1988 vol 137 cc561-2W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy towards helping citizens of the British Commonwealth who have lived in the United Kingdom for a number of years but who, due to age or illness wish to return to their homeland, with the cost of their return.

Mr. Renton

Financial assistance from public funds for people who wish to return permanently overseas is available in certain circumstances under a scheme operated under section 29 of the Immigration Act 1971. The scheme, which is not confined to citizens of the Commonwealth, is administered on behalf of the Government by the International Social Service of Great Britain. Applications for assistance are considered only where the following conditions are satisfied:

  • —the applicant is not a British citizen;
  • —the applicant has been accepted for settlement in this country but now wishes to leave permanently;
  • —the applicant is of limited means and cannot finance his or her departure. In assessing a person's ability to pay their own fare, the first £3,000 of their realisable capital is disregarded.

In addition, section 29 requires that it must be in the interest of the people concerned to return overseas and that they wish to do so.

Assistance is limited to the payment of fares and incidental expenses incurred in leaving the United Kingdom, including the transport of a small amount of personal effects. Resettlement grants are not provided. Assistance towards the cost of travel for resettlement in Europe is also excluded from the scheme.