LOINDON, England, Oct. 10 (UPI) -- The plan to help Iraqis in danger because they work for the British aims to discourage them from resettling in Britain it was reported Tuesday.
Home Secretary David Miliband laid out details of the proposal announced Monday by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Iraqi interpreters would be offered a choice between a one-time cash payment equal to six to 12 months pay or applying for residency in Britain, The Times of London said.
But the Iraqis would first have to leave their country and be recognized as refugees by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the British newspaper said.
An estimated 400 to 500 Iraqis and their dependents would be eligible for assistance, with people who have worked in more menial jobs excluded.
Tony Porteous, London director of Human Rights Watch, said his group is concerned about Iraqis who have already fled the country for Syria or Jordan, The Independent reported.
"It's a step forward from the disgraceful position the UK has had until now -- which is to do nothing," Porteous said. "But I am very concerned about the fate of the many former Iraqi interpreters who have fled Iraq because it is too dangerous to stay."
