LONDON (CHATNEWSTV) — The UK government has exceeded its target for the removal of illegal migrants, with 16,400 individuals forcibly returned from the country, marking the highest number in five years.
This achievement follows a surge in immigration enforcement since the general election, with a 24% increase in removals compared to the previous 12-month period. The efforts have been credited with making British streets safer, with the removal of 2,580 foreign criminals, a 23% increase from the previous year.
“Within just six months of coming to office, we’ve gone from a scheme that returned only four volunteers to removing 16,400 people with no right to be here,” said Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “Our message is clear — if you try to come here illegally, you are wasting your money, and you will be returned swiftly.”
The government’s efforts have included bespoke charter flights to return offenders to their home countries, including four of the largest return flights in UK history, carrying over 800 individuals. Those deported include criminals convicted of drug offenses, theft, rape, and even murder.
The government has also taken steps to address the asylum backlog by redeploying 1,000 staff members to immigration enforcement. These measures are part of the government’s broader “Plan for Change,” which aims to fix what it calls a broken immigration system.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper commented on the progress, saying, “We have exceeded our pledge to return the highest number of people in five years. Our priority is to ensure the rules are respected and enforced.”
In addition to the removals, the government introduced a new sanctions regime to combat irregular migration and disrupt criminal smuggling networks. This regime will target individuals and entities that facilitate dangerous journeys, such as those operating in the Channel, by targeting their finances and operations.
“We are taking swift action to increase enforcement and returns of those with no right to be here,” Cooper added, stressing that new legislation would be introduced in 2025 to further disrupt criminal smuggling operations.
As part of the broader effort, there has also been a crackdown on illegal working in sectors such as car washes, nail bars, and construction, with a 32% increase in visits and a 29% rise in arrests compared to last year.
Looking ahead, the government has pledged to continue its efforts to clear the asylum backlog, introduce new biometric technologies to support immigration enforcement, and introduce additional border security legislation.
