Britain won't admit Yemeni Jews with UK relatives

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In spite of the efforts of MPs, Britain has not granted permission to Jews with links to British families to settle in the UK, The Jewish Chronicle reports. At the time, the Yemen regime objected to these Jews entering the UK as refugees, it being an admission that they had failed to 'protect' their Jews. (With thanks: Lily)

Groups of Yemeni Jews are reportedly fleeing their homes as the conflict between the government and rebels, including those backed by Al-Qaida, shows no sign of subsiding.

According to an article in the Yemen Post, seven Jews from the Amran province have already left and another eight are planning to go as soon as possible. It is unclear where they plan to go.(..)

Yemen was once home to a thriving Jewish population, but after Israel gained independence many of its 60,000 Jews fled or were airlifted to Israel on Operation Magic Carpet.

The community has now declined to less than 300 people spread across the country. Many have been attempting to leave and start new lives in the UK, US or Israel for some time.

Despite campaigns in recent years by MPs Diane Abbot and Mike Freer, the government has not granted Yemeni Jews, with links to British families, permission to settle in Britain.

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