To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the UNHCR’s processes for screening refugees from Syria; and whether these processes are sufficiently robust to prevent Daesh fighters from being selected for resettlement.
Answered on
24 October 2017
We take security extremely seriously in cases referred to us for resettlement, working closely with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). When potential cases are submitted by the UNHCR for consideration they are screened and considered for suitability for entry to the UK: we retain the right to reject individuals on security, war crimes or other grounds.
The UNHCR has its own robust identification processes in place. This includes the taking of biometrics, gathering documentary evidence and conducting interviews. Additionally we are continually considering how we can enhance the comprehensive security arrangements we already have in the UK.