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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?

From The Times, an article by Deborah Haynes, Richard Beeston and Greg Hurst. Well done to them, in producing such a clear account of the situation.

To view the full article, please click on the following link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/iraq/article2211281.ece

Britain was accused yesterday of abandoning 91 Iraqi interpreters and their families to face persecution and possible death when British forces withdraw.

The Times has learnt that the Government has ignored personal appeals from senior army officers in Basra to relax asylum regulations and make special arrangements for Iraqis whose loyal services have put their lives at risk.

One interpreter, who has worked with the Army since 2004 and wanted to start a new life in Britain after British Forces pull out was told by Downing Street that he would receive no special favours and to read a government website.

Article from The Scotsman - 7th August 2007

For the full story, please visit The Scotsman website:http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=1238612007

Several of the interpreters have written to the army asking for special asylum consideration for themselves and their families, arguing that the threat of persecution will be all the greater once British troops pull out, possibly next year.

But the government departments dealing with the Iraqis say they will not automatically give anyone asylum in Britain.

"There isn't a blanket process of approval," a Foreign Office spokesman said.

Several translators working for the British in Basra have already been kidnapped and killed by insurgents or militias, who regard them as collaborators with foreign forces. Some have been tortured before being killed and their bodies dumped.

But the Home Office, which deals with asylum cases, said it was not in a position to grant a blanket asylum to the Iraqis despite the "essential work" they do.

And the Ministry of Defence, which with the Foreign Office is also responsible for the employees, underlined the need for Iraqi translators to apply for asylum individually.

A defence spokeswoman said that Britain valued the work of the translators highly and took its responsibilities towards them seriously, but added: