§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are compelling Afghan asylum seekers who no longer have any right of appeal to return to Afghanistan; and whether any exception is made for those of Sikh or Hindu origin. [HL425]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalOur preferred option for repatriating unsuccessful Afghan asylum seekers is by assisted voluntary return. However for those who do not leave voluntarily—including those of Sikh or Hindu origin —appropriate enforcement action will be considered. In April 2003 we began enforcing the return to Afghanistan of those who have exhausted their appeal rights and have been found not to be in need of international protection. Returns are only enforced to those areas of Afghanistan with adequate security and infrastructure.