§ Lord Avebury asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Why unsuccessful asylum seekers who are not returned to Zimbabwe are not given discretionary leave to enter the United Kingdom pending substantial political change in Zimbabwe; and [HL4784]
§ Whether their policy of putting unsuccessful Zimbabwean asylum seekers into an indeterminate immigration status with no right to support or accommodation is satisfactory; and [HL4785]
§ What is their estimate of the number of failed Zimbabwean asylum seekers who are without any means of support or accommodation, at the latest convenient date. [HL4786]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)Unsuccessful asylum seekers are granted a period of discretionary leave only if they meet the strict criteria set out in the published asylum policy instruction. The fact that we do not choose to pursue removal action against an unsuccessful asylum seeker is not sufficient to justify the grant of discretionary leave.
177WAAlthough we are not at present enforcing the return of unsuccessful asylum seekers to Zimbabwe, we are encouraging voluntary returns. These people are eligible to apply for voluntary return through the Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP).
We cannot say how many Zimbabwean nationals who have been refused asylum are without support in the United Kingdom.
Where an individual is unable to leave immediately due to circumstances beyond their control they may be eligible for the provision of accommodation through provisions in Section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (as amended).
§ Baroness Park of Monmouthasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many Zimbabwe asylum seekers have returned to Zimbabwe under the voluntary assisted returns programme since it was set up. [HL4822]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalInformation on the nationality and destination of asylum seekers who leave the UK under the voluntary assisted returns programme is not available.
The Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP) is available to all nationalities, including Zimbabweans, throughout the asylum process including those who have received a negative decision on their asylum claim and are awaiting appeal. It is also open to those who have been granted time-limited leave to enter or remain.