We are driving for an immediate turnaround in current government policy in relation to current and former Iraqi Translators and Contractors, who, due to their employment assisting our forces, are being avoidably abandoned in mortal danger. Our message is simple: get them out of there—and get them out now. These people helped us, so: "We owe it to them"

Information on “refugee status” for Iraqi asylum seekers

Information on “refugee status” for Iraqi asylum seekers

This note aims to give Iraqi people applying for refugee status a basic understanding of the international definitions of a refugee and some advice on written applications and verbal interviews.

The process is not easy, there are no guarantees and it can be a lengthy and uncertain process. The process is mainly set up for “refugees” applying to UNHCR offices outside of Iraq.

We recognise that it is very difficult for many of you still in Iraq to travel to a UNHCR office in Jordan or Kuwait and are seeking further advice on your behalf.

We are only just beginning to fully understand the system behind the newly established UK Government “Locally Employed staff assistance scheme”. We understand that many of you will have questions relating to this scheme, particularly the uncertainty over the assistance available to translators still in Iraq.

If you apply to UNHCR or a third country government for refugee status or resettlement assistance you should be aware that you will be asked to confirm why you fit the international definition for being a refugee. This may sound obvious but the success of your application will be based on your ability to explain in words how you fit the following definition.

Who is a refugee? What is the International Definition?

Take action

So, you've read the papers, watched the news footage, and you want to help?

Thank you! Here are some steps that you can take to make a difference.

  • Contact your MP

    • If you have not contacted your MP before, what better reason could there be than to help save lives?
    • Don't know how to reach your MP? No problem! Visit http://www.theyworkforyou.com/, enter your postcode, et voila: you can use the site not only to send them your email, but also to track the responses given.
  • "Stuck for words"? Try these possibilities:
    • Ask your MP—whether s/he acknowledges the clear and present danger that current and former Iraqi translators and contractors face in the Middle East?
    • Ask your MP—if s/he would support calling on the UK Government to immediately change policy and ensure the safe extraction and evacuation of those Iraqi translators or contractors identified to be at risk?
    • Ask your MP—to press the Government to prove that the issue is being dealt with under a directive to employ the utmost urgency
    • Ask your MP—to call for comments from among your fellow constituents
    • Dan's Hardie's blog, http://danhardie.wordpress.com/ has some sample letters
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