Case resolution update August 7, 2007
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August 2007
Questionnaires sent to 6,000 families
In July 2006 the Home Secretary announced that all asylum cases outside the New Asylum Model1 will be resolved by June 20112. These cases, formerly known as legacy cases and now called case
resolution, are being dealt with by the Case Resolution Directorate at the Border and Immigration
Agency (BIA). It is estimated that there could be as many as 450,000 such cases at all stages of the
asylum determination process, hence the need for a planned approach to their resolution. (more…)
Iranian refugees remember Babak Ahadi at Sheldon Court July 29, 2007
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Members of Birmingham’s Iranian Refugee Association today held a commemorative picket at the Immigration and 
Asylum Tribunal (IAT) in Sheldon, Birmingham, to remember the death of their friend Babak Ahadi, who took his own life two years ago. Babak, born in Iran in 1972, set himself on fire on 5 July, 2005, after his asylum claim was dismissed by the IAT at Sheldon Court. He had fled Iran in 2002 after an Islamic group threatened to expose that he had converted to Christianity, which would have led to his execution. (more…)
An asylum seeker’s escape: part three July 21, 2007
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“Any cars parked in that car park means they are going to Italy. So when I got myself into the car park I hid myself under the axle [of a lorry] in a metal box used for storing equipment.
“The box was tiny – it felt like I was inside a coffin.
Shahin Portofeh is now living in Manchester |
“After a few seconds I find [the lorry] has gone inside the ferry, it’s gone on board.
“I was waiting, waiting, just to see what is going to happen. It was really cold and painful laying down, not moving, not making any noise, sounds in case any ferry staff see or hear me.
“The lorry drove off the ferry but I cannot get out (of the box) unless it is parked.
“I wait for everything to settle down then I get out of the box and I find by the signs and writing that I am in Italy.” (more…)
An asylum seeker’s escape: part two July 21, 2007
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An asylum seeker who was deported to Iran in 2004 has been describing how he managed to escape from custody and make his way back to the UK. In part two of this three-part series, the BBC News Website takes up Shahin Portofeh’s story from the point he escaped custody in Iran.
“Ten times the National Security Agency people raided my mum’s house searching for me.
“They showed a letter (to my mother).
“They’d got an order from the judge that if I didn’t hand myself to the government, they… are allowed to shoot me.” (more…)
SAVED: CHRISTIAN WOMAN WHO FACED BEING STONED TO DEATH July 19, 2007
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A WOMAN who faced being stoned to death in Iran for the “crime” of becoming a Christian was granted a reprieve last night when Britain postponed her deportation.
Samar Razavi, 30, was just hours away from being forced on to a Tehran-bound plane when Daily Express columnist Ann Widdecombe raised her case in Parliament. (more…)
Call for immigrant amnesty in UK July 17, 2007
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Half a million illegal immigrants should be given the right to stay in Britain, a think tank has said. 
The Institute of Public Policy Research says such an amnesty would bring in £1bn in extra taxes, and save costs of £4.7bn needed to deport people.
It is urging Home Secretary Jacqui Smith to adopt the move, saying a large scale deportation would never happen. (more…)
Destitution; Why? July 17, 2007
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Can you imagine being forbidden to work? Can you imagine being forced to work on the black market for a pittance, at the mercy of exploitative employers? Can you imagine not having enough money to satisfy your most basic needs? Can you imagine not having anywhere to stay? (more…)
the legacy questionnaire July 15, 2007
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Dear All,
Please find a link below to the Refugee Council’s briefing on the legacy questionnaires that has been produced, it’s quite sel explanatory.
As regards to what the Refugee COuncil can do in the region, we have established a referral system to solicitors so that anybody who receives a questionnaire will have legal aid to fill it up.
Please ask anybody you know to come to the office on 1 Dewsbury Road to be referred to a solicitor and get further information on these questionnaires.
Again, please bare in mind that this IS NOT AN AMNESTY EXCERCISE.
Thank you, please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information
If an asylum seeker you know receives a questionnaire from the UK Borders and Immigration Agency they MUST seek legal advice before completing it. July 12, 2007
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We need to alert you to two sets of letters from the Home Office. One lot has already started dropping through people’s doors. This is the legacy questionnaire, and is part of the drive to deal with the backlog of pre Nam cases. It appears that families are being particularly targeted. If anyone you know receives such a questionnaire they MUST get legal advice before completing it, as it in effect becomes a constituent part of their asylum claim. If people do not have solicitors then get them to turn up at the Refugee Legal Centre (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) or Immigration Advisory Service (Wednesday and Thursday) as early as they can of a morning , ideally to be seen at the drop in service.(The suggestion is 8.30 am.) (more…)
