In a symbolic move by the Home Office about 30 failed asylum seekers will be removed from the UK today - the first expulsions in eight years.
The Afghans will board a flight from Gatwick Airport back to their home country this afternoon.
In the past year, alone, 7,380 Afghans have claimed asylum, according to Home Office figures.
The Home office stopped forcibly removing refugees in 1995 because of the political turmoil in Afghanistan.
Instead failed Afghan asylum seekers were allowed to remain in the UK - some given visas to stay for four years.
However fall of the Taleban has led to improvements in Afghanistan which, the Home Office has said, have made it safe enough for refugees to be returned.
April 28, 2003 10:30
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article