Virgin Atlantic Drawn Into FMG Debate

AyostoLeon · Fri May 30, 2014 4:11 am

Following a decision by British Home Office to deport a woman and her two daughters, Richard Branson is coming under pressure to personally intervene. The woman claims that her daughters will be subjected to forced female genital mutilation. Branson's daughter has publicly spoken out against FMG and the decision to deport people at risk.

Quote:
"the entrepreneur's daughter Holly Branson has previously spoken out about FGM. Writing on the Virgin website, she called it "a horrendous practice and a serious violation of internationally recognised human rights"

http://www.virgin.com/unite/leadersh...-against-female-genital-mutilation

At present Virgin Atlantic seems perfectly happy to accommodate the repatriation of the woman and her daughters.

Quote:
"The Home Office makes the flight arrangements for all deportee passengers. It is not for the airline to refuse to carry a deportee passenger on the grounds of their immigration case, as the airline has no knowledge of individual cases. It is for the Home Office to make immigration policy and take decisions of this nature."

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2...igerian-mother-fgm-virgin-atlantic

I guess the airline is in a difficult position. Should it refuse to take on board an unwilling passenger when there is considerable evidence to suggest that person will be at risk of real harm? Or should it look the other way and just take the money?

VC-10 · Fri May 30, 2014 4:47 am

Every deportee is an unwilling passenger, should airlines involve themselves in every deportees case? Why is this case more worthy of attention than any other deportation where the person faces a perceived danger?

Eltomzo · Fri May 30, 2014 1:47 pm

I think you mean FGM.

rushed · Sat May 31, 2014 11:29 am

I think if a passenger is denied entry the airline that landed that passenger is legally liable to return them. Don't know the specifics but would think an airline has no choice.

rtfm · Sat May 31, 2014 11:34 am

Quoting rushed (Reply 3):
I think if a passenger is denied entry the airline that landed that passenger is legally liable to return them. Don't know the specifics but would think an airline has no choice.

You're correct - but this is a state deportation rather than an immigration refusal at the point of entry. And in the UK, the government can serve an order on a carrier to remove someone from the country.

Virgin Atlantic Drawn Into FMG Debate

Virgin Atlantic Drawn Into FMG Debate

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RE: Virgin Atlantic Drawn Into FMG Debate

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