Bishop of Leeds asks Government about impact of US sanctions on Iran and migration

On 17th, 20th & 21st December 2018 the Bishop of Leeds, Rt Revd Nick Baines, received written answers to three questions about US sanctions on Iran and migration from Iran. 

The Lord Bishop of Leeds: To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many Iranian citizens made asylum applications in (1) 2015, (2) 2016, (3) 2017, and (4) 2018; and how many applications have been granted.

Baroness Williams of Trafford: The Home Office publishes data, in its quarterly Immigration Statistics release, on (a) the number of applications in the UK, and (b) the number of applications that were granted (in the same table), by nationality. Latest edition available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/758192/asylum1-sep-2018-tables.ods
Iranian nationals
Year Total applications Total grants Grant rate
2015 3,242 1,532 55%
2016 4,184 1,456 37%
2017 2,570 1,260 47%
2018 (to end Sept) 1,977 706 40%

Note that initial decisions are based on date of decision and do not necessarily relate to applications made in the same period. For example, a decision in 2017 may relate to an application made in 2016.

via Parliament.uk

The Lord Bishop of Leeds: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact that the reintroduction of sanctions on Iran by the United States has had on UK-registered companies trading with Iran.

Baroness Fairhead: The US Treasury has re-imposed sanctions against Iran relating to financial institutions, and Iran’s energy, insurance and shipping sectors. There has been an impact on UK businesses, although it is too early to make a comprehensive assessment. Where necessary, UK companies should seek legal advice.

The Department for International Trade has a dedicated team working at the British Embassy in Tehran to support UK businesses active in the Iranian market. We continue to monitor any impact on UK-Iran trade caused by the re-imposition of US sanctions on Iran.

via Parliament.uk

The Lord Bishop of Leeds: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of any impact of the reintroduction of sanctions on Iran by the United States on refugee and migration flows from Iran.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: The second set of US unilateral sanctions on Iran came into full force on 5 November. We consider it is therefore too soon to be able to fully assess the impact of the reintroduction of these sanctions on refugee and migration flows from Iran. However, Iran continues to be a significant source of migrants to the UK. Its economy has suffered from high inflation and a significant decline in the currency value this year.
The Lord Bishop of Leeds: To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the impact that the reintroduction of  sanctions on Iran by the United States has had on countries neighbouring Iran.
Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon: We continue to assess the impact of US sanctions as they come into force, including the impact of the various exemptions granted by the US. We expect wide-ranging impact, including on trade, infrastructure projects, payment for services and tourism. Given Iran is a major energy supplier, we can expect some countries to diversify. Her Majesty’s Government is committed to maintaining the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and as part of this we continue to support legitimate trade with Iran in line with sanctions relief.