BARELY Days After Donald Trump’s Deportation Threat, UK Shocks Tinubu, Announces Plan To Deport Nigerians, Others
The Labour- led government in the United Kingdom has vowed to continue its firm approach against irregular migration, affecting Nigerians and other foreign nationals. The government insists on strict enforcement of immigration rules to restore public confidence in the system.
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Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, speaking on GBN station and through the Home Office website, revealed that 19, 000 irregular migrants inherited from the previous Conservative government have been deported since Labour took power. She stressed that enforcing immigration laws is vital for public trust.
” To rebuild public confidence in the immigration system, we need to show that the rules are respected and enforced. That’ s why, as part of the government’ s plan for change, we have put significant additional resources into immigration enforcement and returns, so those who have no right to be here, particularly those who have committed crimes in our country, are removed as swiftly as possible, ” Cooper stated.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also reinforced this stance, tweeting on Monday: ” Too many people are able to come to the UK and work. We are putting an end to it. ”
Increased Enforcement And Deportations
Since taking office, the Labour government has implemented stricter immigration measures. The Home Office confirmed that nearly 19, 000 failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals, and other immigration offenders have been deported to various countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. This marks the highest deportation rate since 2018, including four of the largest charter flight deportations in UK history, with over 850 people on board.
To achieve this, the government redeployed 1, 000 staff to immigration enforcement. This strategic move contributed to a 24% increase in enforced returns, a 21% rise in deportations of foreign national offenders, and a 38% surge in illegal working raids between July 2024 and January 2025, compared to the same period the previous year.
The Home Office also revealed images of enforcement operations targeting nail bars, car washes, and restaurants, leading to thousands of arrests. In January alone, Immigration Enforcement teams raided 828 premises, resulting in 609 arrests, a 73% increase from the previous year. Additionally, 1, 090 civil penalty notices were issued to employers, who could face fines of up to £60, 000 per worker for hiring illegal immigrants.
New Legislation And Border Security Measures
The Labour government is preparing to introduce new counter- terror- style powers to combat people- smuggling gangs. This is part of the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, designed to enhance UK border security. The bill proposes granting law enforcement more authority to act against organised crime groups, including the power to seize mobile phones from those entering the UK illegally.
To further strengthen border security, the government will host a landmark Border Security Summit at Lancaster House in London on 31 March and 1 April. The summit will gather representatives from over 40 countries and international institutions, including the European Union, to discuss strategies for combating organised immigration crime and people smuggling.
Human Rights Concerns And Political Reactions
While the government maintains that these measures are necessary for border security and public trust, critics argue that they may face backlash from human rights groups. Analysts suggest that the Labour government is taking a tough stance on immigration to fulfil election promises. However, concerns have been raised about transparency in the deportation process and the potential impact on immigrants’ rights.
Challenges Faced By Nigerian Immigrants
Nigerians and other foreign nationals who entered the UK legally for education or skilled work, particularly in healthcare, have faced significant challenges due to the tightened immigration rules. Immigration experts highlighted that some Nigerian students struggle to transition to postgraduate visas due to high costs, leading to last- minute applications and increased scrutiny from the Home Office.
Additionally, some Nigerians on sponsored visas arrive in the UK only to find that their employers do not provide jobs as promised. This has resulted in the Home Office revoking employers’ certificates, leaving affected immigrants vulnerable to eviction threats. Nevertheless, some have managed to overcome these challenges by seeking legal assistance or switching to other sponsors.
Conservative Party’ s Immigration Policy Proposal
Meanwhile, the Conservative Party continues to push for stricter immigration policies. Tory leader Kemi Badenoch recently proposed changes to the immigration bill, including doubling the time required for foreign workers to qualify for settled status. Under the new plan, immigrants would need to live in the UK for ten years without claiming any benefits before obtaining indefinite leave to remain.
Currently, immigrants can apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years, allowing them to stay in the country but not granting full citizenship. The proposed change aims to tighten immigration controls and reduce benefit claims by immigrants.
In conclusion, the Labour government’ s robust approach to immigration enforcement has sparked intense debate across the UK. While the government argues that strict rules are essential for border security and public confidence, critics caution against potential human rights violations and adverse impacts on legal immigrants. As the UK prepares for the upcoming Border Security Summit, the nation watches closely to see how these new immigration policies will shape its future.
