Serious concerns have been raised over the UK government’s plan to remove an Iranian man for the second time under its “one in, one out” scheme, despite warnings about his deteriorating mental health and claims of modern slavery.
The 24-year-old, currently held in a UK immigration detention centre, is undergoing hourly welfare checks after staff expressed concerns for his wellbeing. He says he was trafficked and abused by smugglers in northern France, and fears for his safety if returned.
“If I thought France was safe, I would never have come to the UK,” he said. “Only my body can go back there, not me. My life will be finished there.”
The man first arrived in the UK on 6 August but was deported to France on 19 September. He returned by small boat on 18 October and claimed asylum. Despite trafficking indicators being raised, the Home Office requested his readmission to France on 21 October approved three days later. His trafficking claim was rejected on 27 October.
His lawyers have warned that his health is rapidly deteriorating and requested more time to obtain expert evidence, but their appeal was refused. His vulnerability assessment (Rule 35) is scheduled for 6 November a day after his planned removal.
Director of Humans for Rights Network, Maddie Harris said his case highlights “acute failures in safeguarding vulnerable migrants. “He should be released immediately,” she said.
