The United Kingdom has deported 43 persons to Ghana and Nigeria as part of its heightened attempts to tighten border security under its “Plan for Change” immigration policy.
The group consisted of 11 foreign nationals who had served time in jail in the United Kingdom and 15 unsuccessful asylum applicants. Seven of the people apparently returned willingly. The charter aircraft, which took departure on Thursday, represents the second deportation operation to Ghana and Nigeria since the new administration started office, bringing the total number of returns to the two countries to 87.
UK officials believe the operation indicates an increasing coordination between the British government and its colleagues in Accra and Abuja to combat irregular migration and enforce immigration regulations.
Angela Eagle, the UK's Minister for Border Security and Asylum, said, "This flight demonstrates how international partnerships deliver on working people's priorities for swift returns and secure borders."
She said, "With the Plan for Change, we're going further in bringing order to a broken system, speeding up the return of people who shouldn't be here, and closing costly asylum hotels." "This operation, which reflects our shared commitment to disrupt organised immigration crime and protect our borders, is made possible by the governments of Ghana and Nigeria, for which I am grateful."
Since the current government assumed office, over 24,000 individuals have been repatriated, according to the Home Office, an 11% rise compared to the same time last year. With 3,594 criminals expunged, deportations of foreign national offenders have also risen by 16%.
International collaboration is still essential to combating irregular migration, according to Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Minister at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
"We will address this global challenge together by working internationally—collaborating with other nations and partners worldwide is essential to combating irregular migration," she said. "I applaud our robust collaboration with Ghana and Nigeria to secure our borders, implement the Plan for Change, and repatriate those who have no right to be in the UK."
According to the UK government, Immigration Enforcement makes sure that every deportation is carried out in a "dignified and respectful manner."
The operation follows the UK's recent Organised Immigration Crime Summit, which brought together leaders from more than 40 nations, including Ghana and Nigeria, to further international efforts to combat irregular migration and people smuggling.
One of the UK government's primary initiatives, the Plan for Change, is to increase border security, clear the backlog of asylum cases, and repatriate those who don't have the legal right to be in the nation.
