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British Indian Ocean Territory: Sovereignty

Asked by Mr Mark FrancoisConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 10 March 2025UIN 34229

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government of Mauritius will assume responsibility for asylum seekers arriving in the Chagos Islands once the agreement has been ratified by Parliament.

Answered by Stephen Doughty

Once the UK's agreement with Mauritius concerning the Chagos archipelago comes into force, Mauritius will take responsibility for any migrants who may arrive on the islands in the future. The deal will close a dangerous, illegal migration route. Up until the deal is in force, St Helena will accept any migrants arriving in the Chagos islands pursuant to an arrangement we made with them in October 2024.

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