A significant number of Afghan asylum-seekers involved in the Stansted hijack may be allowed to stay in the UK.

The hijack took place in February when an Arian Airlines Boeing 727 landed at Stansted.

The airport became the focus of the world's media as what was at first thought to be political terrorism was revealed to be a bid for asylum.

After the incident Home Secretary, Jack Straw, said he wished to see all people on the plane removed from the country and that he was determined nobody should feel there could be any benefits from hijacking.

Of the 170 passengers and crew on the plane, 81 have returned to Afghanistan and four cases have been accepted along with 13 dependents.

A remaining 32 cases are currently appealing to be allowed to stay. But despite the fact many of their claims have already been rejected due to Afghanistan's poor human rights record it may not be possible to send them home.

A spokesman for the Home Office said: "We are determined to do everything possible to prevent crime and hijacking of this sort.

"This incident had highlighted a weakness in the system and this does need to be dealt with. We have an international responsibility to those seeking asylum from countries with poor human rights records.

He added that it was impossible to suggest an outcome to the appeals.

"Agreements dealing with this must be upheld whatever the outcome. In exceptional circumstances people have been allowed leave, but we are determined to follow all the correct procedures."

By Martin Buxton

Reporter's e-mail: martin_buxton@thisisessex.co.uk

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