News story

Enforced returns to Zimbabwe will resume

Failed asylum seekers with no right to be in the UK can now be returned to Zimbabwe, the government told parliament today.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Enforced returns to the country were suspended in September 2006 because the unstable political situation in the country meant that听the safety of individuals could not be guaranteed.听

A safer Zimbabwe

But since the formation of the Inclusive Government in 2009, the country is now considered stable enough to receive returnees.

This means that all Zimbabweans living in the UK illegally now face enforced removal.

Events will be monitored

Damian Green, minister for immigration said: 鈥榃e have today announced the resumption of enforced returns to Zimbabwe for failed asylum seekers judged by the independent courts to have no right to remain in the UK.

鈥楾his decision reflects the improved stability in Zimbabwe since 2009 and the UK court鈥檚 view that not all Zimbabweans are in need of international protection.

鈥楾hose facing return will join the hundreds who have returned voluntarily, responding to calls by Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai to return home and help rebuild their country.

鈥樆使谔逵齛pp British Government takes its international responsibilities seriously and will always grant protection to those in genuine need, and continue to monitor events in Zimbabwe.鈥�

Voluntary return packages

皇冠体育app UK Border Agency has helped hundreds of Zimbabweans to return home voluntarily since 2006.

皇冠体育appse packages will continue to be made available.听听

Updates to this page

Published 14 October 2010