http://noborderswales.org.uk/2009/02/19/a-day-of-action-for-yahya-and-target-bmi/

Today was an international day of action for trade unionist Yahya Al-Faifi, who is under threat of deportation to Saudi Arabia. There were protests outside the offices of the Home Secretary in Whitehall, outside the UK Border Agency in Cardiff, as well as outside the British embassy in Brussels.

Yahya and his family fled Saudi Arabia after threats of fatal attack because of his trade union activity, eventually settling in south Wales. However, Yahya has had his application for asylum refused and he now faces the very real possibility of being deported back to a country with a horrific human rights record where trade unions are illegal.

It is very likely that if deported it will be BMI Airlines who are called on to do the governments dirty work, as they have previously been responsible for a large number of 'forced removals' to Saudi, along with other country's with horrific human rights records like Iran and Somalia.

Since BMI deported Babi Badalov on 20th September 2008, on the 20th of every month we have called for opposition to the deportation industry and the role that this particular airline play. BMI are under no obligation to carry out deportations, but the profit on offer for this abhorrent practice clearly takes precedence over an ethical stance. BMI's CEO Nigel Turner has stated that he is satisfied that adequate safeguards are in place for those being deported, and that:

"it is important to know BMI does not knowingly deport people to persecution or similar peril. You will understand I do not have the time or resources to investigate each case myself nor do BMI"

Let BMI know what you think of them doing the governments dirty work. Bring it to their attention that you will continue to do this until they stop.

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