Asked by: Lord Judd (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they made of the letter, published in The Observer on 9 June, from 70 senior leaders from universities and research institutes across the UK warning that “visa refusals for African cultural, development and academic leaders ... [are] undermining 'Global Britain’s' reputation as well as efforts to tackle global challenges"; and what steps they intend to take in response.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
All visa applications are considered on their individual merits and on the basis of the evidence available, in line with the immigration rules. We welcome international academics and recognise their contribution to the UK’s world-leading education sector.
When we are informed of large academic events, UKVI strategic engagement teams can assist event organisers and attendees with the visa application process.
Asked by: Lord Judd (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the removal of British citizenship from Shamima Begum has put the UK in breach of international law; and if so, what steps they intend to take to rectify the situation.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
We do not comment on individual cases.
Decisions to deprive individuals of their citizenship are taken in accordance with UK law and our international obligations under the 1961 UN Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness.
Asked by: Lord Judd (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any adverse impact of current immigration policies (1) on Government supported projects designed to meet the challenges of the aftermath of the war in Iraq, and (2) the availability of visas for Iraqi civil servants wishing to participate in such projects at British universities.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
As set out in the Immigration Rules, the permitted activities for visitors cover a broad range of tourist and business activities. The Immigration Rules support this Government’s agendas and efforts, and ensures the UK is open for business.
All UK visa applications are considered on their individual merits, on the basis of the evidence available and in line with UK Immigration Rules, regardless of the applicant’s nationality.
Asked by: Lord Judd (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of any adverse impact of current immigration policies on the provision of research in British universities into gender-based displacement and violence in Iraqi Kurdistan; and what has been the impact of any refusal of visas to Iraqi-based researchers on such research.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
As set out in the Immigration Rules, the permitted activities for visitors cover a broad range of tourist and business activities, which includes visiting academics and researchers. The Immigration Rules support this Government’s agendas and efforts, and ensures the UK is open for business.
All UK visa applications are considered on their individual merits, on the basis of the evidence available and in line with UK Immigration Rules, regardless of the applicant’s nationality.
Asked by: Lord Judd (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to ensure that women seeking asylum, who have experienced forms of violence which may be difficult to disclose, have access to legal representatives who are allowed the time and capacity to obtain the requisite evidence.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
All asylum claimants have the opportunity to be legally represented during their asylum claim, and legal aid funding is provided to those who need it.
In addition, Migrant Help is funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Home Office to provide independent advice and guidance to assist those considering seeking asylum and those that have claimed asylum to move through and understand the asylum process. Migrant Help also run an asylum helpline and provide advice in a language that the asylum seeker speaks, that is free and accessible to all asylum seekers. This includes support for claimants who are seeking legal advice.
All asylum claims lodged in the UK are carefully considered on their individual merits against a background of relevant case law and up to date country information, which covers country specific issues relating to torture, gender based harm, including female genital mutilation (FGM), sexual exploitation, violence in conflict, domestic violence and those subject to violence relating to LGBT persecution. We ensure that claimants are given every opportunity to disclose information relevant to their claim before a decision is taken, even where that information may be sensitive or difficult to disclose.
Asked by: Lord Judd (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what action they are taking to ensure that LGBT people seeking asylum, who have experienced torture and forms of violence that may be difficult to disclose, have access to legal representatives who are allowed time and capacity to obtain the requisite evidence.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
All asylum claimants have the opportunity to be legally represented during their asylum claim, and legal aid funding is provided to those who need it.
In addition, Migrant Help is funded by the EU Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Home Office to provide independent advice and guidance to assist those considering seeking asylum and those that have claimed asylum to move through and understand the asylum process. Migrant Help also run an asylum helpline and provide advice in a language that the asylum seeker speaks, that is free and accessible to all asylum seekers. This includes support for claimants who are seeking legal advice.
All asylum claims lodged in the UK are carefully considered on their individual merits against a background of relevant case law and up to date country information, which covers country specific issues relating to torture, gender based harm, including female genital mutilation (FGM), sexual exploitation, violence in conflict, domestic violence and those subject to violence relating to LGBT persecution. We ensure that claimants are given every opportunity to disclose information relevant to their claim before a decision is taken, even where that information may be sensitive or difficult to disclose.
Asked by: Lord Judd (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to using the phrase "economic or other migrants who do not meet the legal requirements of host countries" in the place of "illegal economic migrants" or "illegal migrants".
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
No consideration has been given to this phrase. The Immigration Acts refer to persons who require leave to enter or remain but do not have it.