§ Mr. MalinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the average time taken was from the refusal of asylum status and exceptional leave to remain to removal from the country in the last 12 months. [29816]
§ Angela EagleI regret that the information requested is not available and could be obtained only by examining individual case files at disproportionate cost.
§ Mr. MullinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on how many occasions in the last three months airlines have refused to carry deportees; what reason was given in each case; and if he will make a statement. [29823]
297W
§ Angela EagleAn airline may occasionally refuse to carry passengers refused entry, illegal entrants and those subject to formal deportation proceedings if it has concerns for the safety of their aircraft, crew and passengers. We are aware of a small number of incidents where airlines have refused to carry certain individuals because of concerns they have about their conduct when boarding the aircraft. Where there have been concerns, the United Kingdom Immigration Service has arranged for the individual to be escorted during the flight.
On 11 January 2002, British Airways refused to remove a failed asylum seeker to Zimbabwe. Removal directions were temporarily suspended by the Home Office following representations from legal representatives.
During a recent meeting with British Airways (BA), the Minister for Asylum and Immigration confirmed with BA that it was their concern for the safety of their aircraft, crew and passengers that prompted them to refuse to carry.