The United Kingdom has deported 44 Nigerian and Ghanaian asylum seekers in its largest-ever single flight, marking a significant increase in immigration enforcement.
Just 48 hours ago, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a deal to relocate migrants arriving on small boats to the Chagos Islands and then to St Helena, a British territory over 5,000 miles away in the Atlantic Ocean.
According to the UK Home Office, this deportation is part of a “major surge” in immigration enforcement and returns, with a total of 3,600 persons deported to various countries since Starmer took office in July. These countries include Brazil (200 deportees), Vietnam and Timor-Leste (46 deportees), Albania, Lithuania, and Romania.
Deportations to Nigeria and Ghana have been relatively rare, with only four recorded since 2020. The most recent deportation to Nigeria occurred in June, involving 13 Nigerians flown to Lagos.
Some of the deportees have shared their stories, revealing the harsh realities they face.
One Nigerian deportee claimed to be a victim of human trafficking, but his plea was rejected by the Home Office. “I told the Home Office I was a victim of trafficking. They rejected my claim,” he said.
Another deportee, who had lived in the UK for 15 years as an asylum seeker with no criminal record, also had his application denied.
Fizza Qureshi, CEO of Migrants’ Rights Network, expressed concern over the deportations, stating, “We are extremely shocked at the cruelty of these deportations, especially with the speed, secrecy, and lack of access to legal support.”
In August, Nigeria reportedly signed a deportation agreement with the UK, allowing the return of illegal immigrants.
The UK Home Office has defended its actions, stating, “We have already begun delivering a major surge in immigration enforcement and returns activity to remove people with no right to be in the UK and ensure the rules are respected and enforced.”
