The deportation of failed asylum seekers to Zimbabwe has been halted, the United Kingdom has announced. The fate of the asylum seekers has assumed center-stage for debate among British politicians and human rights activists and the government is facing all-round pressure to free thousands of Zimbabweans held in immigration detention centers across the UK.

Last week, a court of appeal decision delayed moves by the Home Office to deport the asylum seekers.

Human rights observers have also expressed shock that despite the rising deterioration of the political situation in Zimbabwe as many as 11,500 Zimbabweans are threatened with the prospect of deportation.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Thursday told parliament that “no one is being forced to return to Zimbabwe from the United Kingdom at this time”.

He said while officials continue to deal with the issue on a case-by-case basis, “no returns are currently taking place.”

Brown has personally been feeling the heat of criticism over the proposed deportations in the wake of the violence surrounding the disputed presidential election in Zimbabwe.

He said his government was looking to help failed Zimbabwean asylum seekers who were unable to work.

“They are prevented from leaving the UK through no fault of their own,” he said.

“They are provided with accommodation and vouchers to ensure that they are not destitute but we are looking to see what we can do to support Zimbabweans in this situation.”

Source African Press Agency

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