To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance she has issued to the Borders and Immigration Agency on how to handle applications for exceptional leave to remain in Britain from Iraqi nationals who have worked in Iraq for the UK armed forces or the British Government in one or more of the categories set out in the written statement by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of 9 October 2007, Official Report, columns 27-8WS, on Iraq: assistance to locally employed staff. (157969)

[holding answer 15 October 2007]: The Foreign Secretary announced on 8 October 2007 the criteria under which current locally engaged staff who had worked for HMG in Iraq would be eligible for referral for exceptional leave to enter the UK. Officials are currently working up the guidance to be issued to the Border and Immigration Agency staff dealing with the cases.