As the UK government increases international cooperation to defend their borders, 43 rejected asylum applicants and foreign criminals were sent back to Nigeria and Ghana on a charter aeroplane.
By ensuring that regulations are followed and those who violate them are promptly repatriated, the flight highlights the government’s success in bringing order back to the immigration system through the “Plan for Change.” This was according to a news story on gov.uk.
Eleven foreign national offenders who had completed their sentences and fifteen unsuccessful asylum seekers were among those removed; none of them had any right to stay in the UK. Seven people willingly went back.
Two charter aircraft have flown to the countries since the election, transporting 87 passengers in total, highlighting the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana’s strong collaboration on this crucial issue.
Four of the biggest return flights ever have taken off, returning migrants to countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America, and more than 24,000 individuals have been repatriated under the Labour government, an 11% increase over the same period a year ago, according to the report.
With 3,594 criminals expunged, deportations of foreign national offenders have increased by 16% since the election. Returns are handled with dignity and respect thanks to immigration enforcement.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum Angela Eagle said, “This flight demonstrates how international partnerships deliver on working people’s priorities for swift returns and secure borders.
“Through the Plan for Change, we’re going further in restoring order to a broken system, accelerating returns of those with no right to be here, and closing expensive asylum hotels.
“I thank the governments of Ghana and Nigeria for facilitating this operation, which reflects our joint commitment to disrupt organised immigration crime and protect our borders.”
Baroness Chapman of Darlington, FCDO Minister responsible for Irregular Migration added: “Working with other countries and partners around the world is critical to tackling irregular migration—by working internationally, we will meet this global challenge together.
“I welcome our strong cooperation with Ghana and Nigeria to return those with no right to be in the UK, secure our borders, and deliver on the Plan for Change.”
This operation follows the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, which saw the UK bring together over 40 countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, to drive forward the global fight against smuggling gangs and deliver on the government’s mission to secure the UK borders.
