43 failed asylum seekers and foreign offenders were returned to Nigeria and Ghana on a charter flight, as the government strengthens international collaboration to secure the UK’s borders.
The flight highlights the government’s progress in restoring order to the immigration system through the Plan for Change, ensuring rules are respected and swiftly returning those who break them.
The group included 15 failed asylum seekers and 11 foreign national offenders who had completed their sentences. Additionally, 7 individuals chose to return voluntarily.
Since the election, two charter flights have departed for these countries, carrying a total of 87 people, showcasing the strong cooperation between the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana on this crucial issue.
Under this government, over 24,000 individuals have been returned—an 11% increase compared to the same period 12 months earlier. Four of the largest returns flights ever have departed, sending migrants back to countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America.
Deportations of foreign national offenders have also risen by 16% since the election, with 3,594 criminals removed.
Immigration Enforcement ensures that all returns are conducted in a dignified and respectful manner.
Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Angela Eagle, said:
This flight demonstrates 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.
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.
This operation follows the Organised Immigration Crime Summit, where the UK brought together over 40 countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, to drive forward the global fight against smuggling gangs and support the government’s mission to secure our borders.
