Asked by: Baroness Finlay of Llandaff (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of reports that (1) doctors, and (2) medical students, in Myanmar have been arbitrarily detained; and what steps they are taking (a) to support any such individuals who are seeking asylum in the UK, and (b) to process any such asylum applications.
Answered by Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We are deeply concerned by the appalling violence inflicted on the people of Myanmar by the Security Forces, and the arbitrary detention of civilians, including healthcare workers. With our G7 partners on 5 May, we called on the military junta to respect the safety of medical facilities and staff and to release all those arbitrarily detained.
Myanmar nationals who are currently in the UK can access the UK's strong immigration package according to their personal circumstances. Where there are compelling compassionate factors, individuals can apply for Leave Outside the Immigration Rules. While asylum claims cannot be made from abroad, all asylum claims made in the UK are considered on a case-by-case basis on their individual merits.
Asked by: Baroness Finlay of Llandaff (Crossbench - Life peer)
Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many British passport holders are in Hong Kong; and what are their obligations to the holders of such passports.
Answered by Baroness Goldie
We do not hold information regarding the number of British passport holders in Hong Kong. Our obligation to all British nationals abroad is set out in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's publically available guide: 'Support for British nationals abroad'. Some examples of the support we provide to all British nationals abroad include: issuing emergency travel documents, providing local information (details of local lawyers interpreters and doctors), and providing notarial and documentary services.