43 people returned to Nigeria and Ghana in an operation, part of a surge in returns activity to secure our border through the Plan for Change
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 flight underscores the government’s progress restoring order to the immigration system through the Plan for Change, ensuring rules are respected and those who break them are swiftly returned.
Those removed had no right to be in the UK and included 15 failed asylum seekers and 11 foreign national offenders who had served their sentences. 7 people returned voluntarily.
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 returns 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.
Immigration Enforcement ensure that returns are carried out in a dignified and respectful manner.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum Angela Eagle said:
Baroness Chapman of Darlington, FCDO Minister responsible for Irregular Migration said:
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 our borders.