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<p>The UK has a long and proud tradition of providing a safe haven to those who genuinely
need our protection. We do not remove asylum seekers. Those who are found not to need
protection are refused but have a right of appeal to the independent courts. Once
appeals rights are exhausted they are required to leave the UK.</p><p>The term 'deportation'
refers to returns which are enforced following either a criminal conviction in the
UK (or overseas) which has resulted in a custodial sentence of 12 months or more,
or where it is considered that removal of an individual is conducive to the public
good due to their criminality.</p><p>Those individuals who do not need protection
are expected to return home if their asylum claim is refused and dismissed on appeal.
All asylum and human rights claims are carefully considered on their individual merits
in accordance with the UK’s obligations under the 1951 United Nations Convention Relating
to the Status of Refugees and the European Convention on Human Rights.</p><p>Where
a decision has been made that a person does not require international protection,
and there are no remaining rights of appeal or obstacles to their return, the Home
Office expects unsuccessful asylum seekers to return voluntarily to their home country.
The Home Office’s preferred option is for those who have no legal basis to remain
in the UK to leave voluntarily and we offer assistance to those who choose to do so
by actively promoting the Home Office Voluntary Return Service.</p><p>If an individual
does not leave the UK voluntarily, then it may become necessary to enforce their removal.
The Home Office closely monitors developments in all countries of return and takes
decisions on a case-by-case basis in the light of international obligations and the
latest available country information. The Home Office only enforces removal when it
and the courts conclude that it is safe to do so, with a safe route of return. Enforced
removals are carried out in the most sensitive way possible, treating those being
removed with respect and courtesy.</p>
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