The United Kingdom government has deported 43 Nigerians and Ghanaians, most of whom were seeking asylum, back to their countries of origin.
This was contained in a release issued by the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on Friday.
The deportees included 15 failed asylum seekers, 11 foreign national offenders who had completed their sentences, and 7 voluntary returnees.
“43 failed asylum seekers and foreign offenders were returned on a charter flight to Nigeria and Ghana, as the government steps up international collaboration to secure our borders,” the statement read.
The government said the move was part of its intensified efforts to enforce immigration laws and secure national borders, noting that the deportees had no right to be in the UK.
The deportation is also part of the UK government’s Plan for Change, which is aimed at restoring order to the immigration system.
It said that the flight underscores the government’s progress in restoring order to the immigration system through the Plan for Change, ensuring rules are respected and those who break them are swiftly returned.
According to the release, over 24,000 individuals have been returned to their countries since the election in the UK.
The development marks an 11% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
Additionally, deportations of foreign national offenders have risen by 16%, with 3,594 criminals removed.
“Since the election, two charter flights have taken off to the countries, carrying a total of 87 people and demonstrating the strength of cooperation between the UK, Nigeria and Ghana on this critical issue.
“Under this government, over 24,000 people have been returned, an 11% increase on the same period 12 months prior, while four of the largest return flights ever have taken off returning migrants to countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
“Deportations of foreign national offenders are also up 16% since the election, with 3,594 criminals removed,” it added.
Speaking, minister for border security and asylum, Angela Eagle, explained that the flight demonstrated 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,” Ms Eagle said.
Also, Baroness Chapman of Darlington, FCDO minister responsible for irregular migration, said, “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.”
