As part of the Government's strategy to manage migration to the UK we are launching the Returns and Reintegration Fund. The Fund will be used to increase significantly the number of foreign national prisoners and failed asylum seekers who return to their countries of origin and to ensure that those who return voluntarily are effectively re-integrated.

This is a cross-government fund (FCO, UK Border Agency, DfID, Ministry of Justice,) that builds upon the former Home Office and FCO Migration Funds. The objectives of the Migration Funds have been refined to focus on programs and projects which will facilitate a greater number of returns of individuals to their countries of origin in a sustainable manner.

Discussion of migration issues is an important part of the Government's relationship with other countries and one of the top priorities for the Foreign Office. We want to work together with other governments to increase the numbers of foreign national prisoners and failed asylum seekers who return to their own countries and remain there. The fund will enable us to support countries which face the biggest challenges in accepting back their nationals.

1 April 2008