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Britain reportedly offers helpers asylum

LONDON - Iraqi interpreters and aides who assisted British forces in Iraq will be allowed to settle in Britain, newspapers said Saturday.

Iraqis who have worked as translators or support staff for the British government for 12 months or longer will be granted asylum status, the Times of London and the Sun reported, citing unnamed diplomatic sources.

Those unable or unwilling to move to Britain will be given money to help them settle elsewhere, the newspapers said, adding that those with less than 12 months' experience would have their cases looked at sympathetically.

British Defense Secretary Des Browne said in August that about 20,000 Iraqis had worked for the British military since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, but it was not immediately clear how many would be eligible for asylum.

British officialshad no immediate comment on the reports.

The Times said that a few hundred other vital support staff would receive the same consideration as the interpreters, but that the offer would exclude thousands more Iraqis who have worked in low-level positions, such as cleaners or drivers.

Senior British military figures and human rights activists have long warned that Iraqis working alongside coalition forces were particularly vulnerable to being targeted by insurgents and militia groups.

The United States has admitted about 800 Iraqis since the war began.

[Last modified October 7, 2007, 02:03:06]