HUNDREDS of asylum seekers in East Lancashire are resorting to crime and "living in limbo" because the Government refuses to deport them, it was claimed today.

The allegation was made following the case of Iraqi Kurd Karwan Karim Hama, who said he was been denied medical care, housing and any form of financial assistance after his application for asylum was refused.

The Government today said it was not deporting people to Iraq but said they could still go home with the help of the International Operation for Migration.

But asylum support workers today said it was unfair for the Government to expect people to go home when it clearly did not believe it was safe itself.

Hama, who gave a mail address in Accrington Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty at Blackburn Magistrates' Court to two charges of theft and driving without insurance, a licence or test certificate. He was given a conditional discharge for six months and fined £100.

He said that as a failed asylum seeker he had absolutely no rights and was dependent on the charity of friends who let him sleep on their floor and provided him with food.

And his solicitor told the magistrates that Hama had committed two offences of theft because he hoped to raise awareness of his plight by revealing it in open court.

Basharat Ditta said Hama had been in the UK since 2001 when he had fled from Iraq.

His application for asylum was finally refused in August.

"At this moment in time he is technically an illegal immigrant," said Mr Ditta. "However, the Government does not at present deport back to Iraq, leaving people like my client in a state of limbo." Mr Ditta said Hama would work, albeit illegally, if it wasn't for being disabled by a bullet wound.

United Reformed minister the Rev Sally Thomas, of the Nelson-based Building Bridges Asylum Seeker Support Group, said there were "hundreds" of people in a similar situation in the area.

She added: "It is absolutely appalling, unjust and immoral.

"The government should let them have a work permit then they can self-supported.

"The International Operation for Migration is there in practice but ask the Home Office when the planes leave.

"We don't know of any Iraqi Kurds who have returned. The situation in Iraq is so volatile it is too dangerous for them to go back.

"The people are despairing. They are dozens and dozens of young people who are taking tablets for depression and that is an appalling situation.

"It is encouraging crime and the only reason there isn't more crime is because of the level of support they are getting in their communities with people offering them places to sleep.

A Home Office spokesman said: "Iraqis who want to return to Iraq can do so through the assisted return programme operated by the International Operation for Migration.

"They are not forced to return but where people wish to do so they can through this programme.

"They will be put in contact with the International Operation for Migration which will support their return financially.

"Therefore there is no reason for then to end up 'living in limbo' in Blackburn or elsewhere."