The United Kingdom recently confirmed the deportation of 43 individuals to Nigeria and Ghana, citing immigration offenses such as failed asylum applications and criminal convictions. The announcement was made in a joint statement by the Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). While the UK authorities acknowledged the deportation, the specific date, the number of deportees sent to each country, and confirmation of their nationalities were not detailed.

According to the official statement, the deportees included 15 individuals whose asylum applications had been rejected and 11 foreign nationals who had completed prison sentences. Additionally, seven people reportedly returned to their home countries voluntarily. This deportation is part of the government’s "Plan for Change," aimed at restoring order to the immigration system by ensuring that immigration laws are enforced and those without the legal right to remain in the UK are promptly returned.

Since the last election, two charter flights have been conducted to Nigeria and Ghana, transporting a total of 87 people. UK officials highlighted that this reflects the strengthening cooperation between the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana on immigration matters. Under the current government, over 24,000 people have been returned, marking an 11% increase compared to the same period 12 months prior. Deportations of foreign national offenders have also risen by 16%, with 3,594 criminals removed from the UK.

The UK government emphasized that all deportation processes are carried out with dignity and respect. Angela Eagle, the Minister for Border Security and Asylum, stated that these international partnerships demonstrate a commitment to swift returns and secure borders. She thanked the governments of Ghana and Nigeria for their cooperation in facilitating the operation, which aims to disrupt organized immigration crime and protect UK borders. Baroness Chapman of Darlington, FCDO Minister responsible for Irregular Migration, added that working with international partners is crucial in addressing irregular migration and securing borders.

The recent deportation operation followed the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, where the UK convened over 40 countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, to enhance the global fight against smuggling gangs and deliver on the government’s mission to secure its borders. The UK government remains committed to tightening border security through international cooperation and enforcing immigration laws.