UK warns on paid voluntary return scheme for asylum seekers

UK warns on paid voluntary return scheme for asylum seekers

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By Staff Reporter

THE British government warned Thursday that it would not extend a paid voluntary return scheme for failed Zimbabwean asylum seekers when it expires on October 31.

Zimbabweans returning home can claim up to £3000 under the Voluntary Assisted Return and Reintegration Programme (VARRP), run by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Since January this year, the IOM offered a package of reintegration support -- small business start up, vocational training or education -- worth £3,000.

More than 4,000 asylum seekers have returned voluntarily under this programme so far this year, the IOM said Thursday. The organisation said individual country figures were not readily available.

"Anyone hoping to use this scheme must apply before the end of October and leave the UK by the end of the year. Anyone applying from 1 November will only receive the original basic package of assistance worth £1,000," the IOM said in a statement.

Immigration Minister Liam Byrne warned that there would be no extention to the scheme, adding that forced removals would be robustly implemented after the government doubled the budget for forced returns of failed asylum seekers.

“I am determined as Immigration Minister to ensure that those individuals who have no legal right to remain in the UK are removed quickly," Bryne said.

"This scheme provides an opportunity for those who applied for asylum on or before 31 December 2005 , who have had their claims rejected, to leave the UK in a humane and dignified way and an excellent opportunity to help individuals rebuild their lives.

“Those without a legal right to remain in the UK must leave. If they do not depart voluntarily, they can expect to have their return enforced. There will be no amnesty and I advise individuals not to hold out for a new scheme, this is a case of taking the opportunity or missing the opportunity.

“We are determined to enforce the removal of those who have no right to be in the UK and who do not leave voluntarily. We are doubling our enforcement budget and pressing ahead with a clampdown on illegal working.

"People should be in no doubt that if they choose not to leave voluntarily then the only alternative is their forcible removal form the UK by Immigration Service Arrest Officers.”

Campaigners for Zimbabwean asylum seekers say the IOM is viewed with suspicion.

Jan de Wilde, Chief of Mission at the International Organization for Migration in the UK insists that the IOM -- which is independent from government -- is only concerned about the welfare of immigrants.

He said: “IOM is an international organisation independent of the British government. We do not determine national immigration policy or the funding of schemes like this one.

"But, just as it has been for over 50 years, our concern is the welfare of migrants and if by making one extra communications effort a single person is made aware of, and thus can benefit from, what is currently available to make a more sustainable return home - then that is a worthwhile effort.”

Further information on the scheme and how to apply is available from The International Organisation for Migration website www.iomlondon.org or freephone on 0800 783 2332. Enquiries about the voluntary return scheme are entirely confidential and staff are on hand to answer any questions or concerns about leaving the UK voluntarily.
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