§ Lord Hardy of Wathasked Her Majesty's Government:
What arrangements have been put in place for the funding of the Assisted Voluntary Returns—Afghanistan scheme. [HL5734]
§ Lord FilkinA package of assistance is being introduced for a trial six month period to assist reintegration of those Afghans who return home voluntarily. It will be offered to those who have, on 14 August 2002, asylum claims awaiting decision or appeal, or who have received exceptional leave to remain. Payments of £600 for individuals and up to £2,500 for families, to be paid after departure, reflect an equitable payment to make return to Afghanistan sustainable.
Parliamentary approval to this new service will be sought in a Supplementary Estimate for the Home Office RFR1 (H). Pending that approval, urgent expenditure estimated at £1,685,000 will be met by repayable advances from the Contingencies Fund.