The UK government is actively pursuing a returns agreement with Iraq to address the influx of migrants arriving via small boats. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will meet with Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani to negotiate the deal, which aims to deter illegal crossings by making it clear that individuals arriving in the UK illegally will be deported. The agreement comes despite ongoing human rights concerns regarding Iraq's safety and security.
Britain is grappling with the challenge of returning failed asylum seekers to Iraq , despite Iraq is being among the top nationalities arriving in the UK via small boats . Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will meet with his Iraq i counterpart, Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, at Downing Street to discuss a potential agreement enabling the UK to send asylum seekers deemed unsuccessful back to Iraq .
This meeting follows a previous agreement between the two countries, in which the UK pledged hundreds of thousands of pounds to bolster border security in Iraq, a nation that has become a key hub for people smuggling.During the year leading up to June, 3,002 Iraqis arrived in the UK via small boats, but only 26 were deported, while another 193 opted to return home voluntarily. This issue highlights a broader government initiative to increase returns, with 16,400 immigration offenders and foreign criminals deported since the Labour government took office, representing a 24 percent surge compared to the previous year. The government hopes that agreements like the one with Iraq, which appear to resemble deals struck by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni with North African nations, can help curb the number of migrants risking their lives to cross the Channel in small boats. By reducing the perceived incentive to reach the UK, it is hoped that fewer individuals will embark on these perilous journeys.The proposed agreement with Iraq is not without its complexities. While ministers aim to present Iraq as a safe haven for returning migrants, human rights concerns raised by charities and NGOs persist. Sunak and Al-Sudani will also utilize the talks to formalize the export of £66.5 million worth of equipment from the UK to strengthen Iraq’s borders and disrupt organized smuggling rings, according to No 10. Sunak stated, “Secure borders are a vital foundation of our Plan for Change, so I am also very pleased to get started on talks for a bespoke returns agreement between our countries. The deal will help dismantle the people smugglers’ business model by sending the clear message that if you come here illegally, you cannot expect to stay.” Cooper added, “When I signed the landmark deal with Iraq in November, it was a clear signal of our commitment to dismantle the criminal smuggling gangs together. Our world-first security agreement with Iraq is already showing its impact. By strengthening border security with our Border Security Command, enhancing intelligence-sharing, and providing additional funding to support Iraq’s law enforcement capabilities, we’re targeting people smuggling gangs where it hurts. Today is the next step in ensuring this important partnership with Iraq goes from strength to strength. As a result, we are making it harder for criminals to exploit vulnerable people, and ultimately we are bringing them to justice.” Additionally, the leaders are anticipated to sign agreements on exports to stimulate British business and economic growth, along with a joint statement to deepen defense cooperation. A partnership and cooperation agreement will leverage UK private sector expertise in water, energy, telecoms, and defense infrastructure to secure future investment projects and major opportunities for British business, according to No 10
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