43 Ghanaians, Nigerians deported from UK over immigration laws

The United Kingdom recently deported 43 individuals, including failed asylum seekers and foreign offenders, to Ghana and Nigeria.

This action is part of the UK’s broader immigration enforcement strategy, which has intensified under the current Labour government.​

A charter flight that departed last Thursday is the second deportation operation to Ghana and Nigeria since the current government took office, bringing the total number of returnees to 87.

UK officials have stated that this operation underscores a strengthening collaboration between the British government and its counterparts in Accra and Abuja to address irregular migration and uphold immigration laws.

“This flight demonstrates how international partnerships deliver on working people’s priorities for swift returns and secure borders,” said Angela Eagle, the UK’s Minister for Border Security and Asylum.

“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,” she added. “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.”

The Home Office reports that since the current administration assumed office, over 24,000 individuals have been deported, marking an 11% rise compared to the same period last year. Additionally, deportations of foreign national offenders have increased by 16%, with 3,594 criminals being removed from the country.

Baroness Chapman of Darlington, Minister at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, emphasized the importance of international collaboration in addressing irregular migration.

“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,” she said. “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.”

The UK government noted that Immigration Enforcement ensures all deportations are conducted in a “dignified and respectful manner.”

The operation follows closely after the recent Organized Immigration Crime Summit held by the UK, which gathered officials from more than 40 nations, including Ghana and Nigeria, to strengthen global actions against human trafficking and irregular migration.

The Plan for Change is a key initiative by the UK government designed to enhance border security, address asylum backlogs, and deport individuals without legal permission to stay in the country.