The forcible return of failed asylum seekers from Britain to Iraq will resume tomorrow, according to reports.
The British Home Office would not confirm the plan but disclosed that a number of Iraqi nationals had been detained with a view to enforcing their removal to Iraq .
According to leaked Home Office documents, obtained by Channel 4 News, the first of the removals is scheduled for tomorrow.
The move is said to follow new advice by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) that returns to the relatively peaceful Kurdish region of northern Iraq were now "feasible".
However the Refugee Council warned last night that even the Kurdish areas were still too dangerous to return people against their will.
According to Channel 4 News, around 15 refugees will be flown out this weekend to the northern city of Irbil.
It quoted the Home Office document as saying: "Despite reservations about the general situation, UNHCR conclude that the forcible returns to the three Northern Governates (Kurdistan) of those who originate from there could be feasible".
It goes on: "Should the failed asylum seeker not be permitted to leave the UK voluntarily, their removal will be enforced.
"Iraq is no different from other countries in this regard but it has taken longer than initially expected to put the practical arrangements in place."