The United Kingdom has deported 43 Nigerians in a continued effort to tighten its immigration policies. A report released on gov.uk on Friday stated that among the deportees were 15 failed asylum seekers and 11 foreign national offenders who had served their sentences. Additionally, seven individuals departed voluntarily. The deportation flight is part of the government’s “Plan for Change,” designed to reinforce immigration law enforcement and ensure swift removal of individuals with no legal right to remain.
This marks the second deportation flight to Nigeria and Ghana since the last general election, bringing the total number of returnees to 87. Officials noted the strengthening collaboration between the United Kingdom and Nigeria on migration management. Since the new administration took office, over 24,000 people have been deported, representing an 11% increase compared to the same timeframe last year. Deportations of foreign national offenders have also climbed by 16%, with 3,594 criminals removed.
Authorities emphasized that all deportations are conducted “in a dignified and respectful manner.” Angela Eagle, Minister for Border Security and Asylum, said: “This flight shows how international partnerships help us deliver on the public’s priorities for swift removals and stronger borders.
Through the Plan for Change, we’re accelerating the return of individuals with no right to stay and cutting reliance on costly asylum hotels. I appreciate the cooperation of the Ghanaian and Nigerian governments in making this possible, reinforcing our shared commitment to combating organized immigration crime and securing our borders.”
Baroness Chapman of Darlington, the FCDO Minister responsible for Irregular Migration, added: “International cooperation is vital to addressing irregular migration. By working closely with partners like Ghana and Nigeria, we can better manage global migration challenges.
Our collaboration with these countries to return individuals without lawful status reflects our joint resolve to protect borders and fulfill the objectives of the Plan for Change. This operation builds on the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, where the UK convened over 40 countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, to strengthen the fight against smuggling networks and deliver on border security goals.” Source : https://saharareporters.com/
