§ Bob RussellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements he makes to check on the welfare of those of Chechen origin who are deported to the Russian Federation; what evidence he has that those of Chechen origin arrive safely in Chechnya; and if he will make a statement. [116320]
§ Beverley HughesThere are no arrangements in place to check on the welfare of individual Chechens who are removed to the Russian Federation. However, in considering whether or not an unsuccessful asylum applicant from Chechnya should be removed to the Russian Federation, full account is taken of objective country information regarding the situation there for Chechens, as well as the ability of the individual concerned to reside in other parts of the Russian Federation. There has never been any question or possibility of removal from the UK either directly or indirectly to Chechnya. Whether or not an individual removed from the UK to the Russian Federation chooses to return to Chechnya is the decision of that individual.