The UK Home Office deported 44 Nigerians and Ghanaians on a single flight, marking a significant increase in immigration enforcement. This deportation is part of a broader initiative, with over 3,600 individuals returned since Labour's arrival in power, raising concerns over the treatment of asylum seekers.
On October 19, 2024, the UK Home Office deported 44 Nigerians and Ghanaians on a single flight, marking a significant increase in immigration enforcement actions. This deportation is part of a broader initiative since Labour came to power, with around 3,600 individuals returned to various countries, including notable flights to Brazil and Vietnam.
Historically, deportation flights to Nigeria and Ghana have been infrequent, with only four recorded since 2020. The recent flight, which removed more than double the number of individuals compared to previous missions, indicates a shift in the UK’s immigration strategy.
Before their deportation, some detainees at Brook House immigration removal centre expressed their despair. One individual, who had lived in the UK as an asylum seeker for 15 years without a criminal record, shared that his asylum claim was denied despite his circumstances. Another detainee, a victim of trafficking, revealed the scars of his traumatic past, highlighting the lack of recognition of his plight by the authorities.
Fizza Qureshi, CEO of Migrants’ Rights Network, criticized the Home Office for its handling of deportations, citing the secrecy and lack of legal support provided to detainees. She described the process as cruel and politically motivated, emphasizing that many deported had simply sought assistance and safety. In response, a Home Office spokesperson reiterated their commitment to enforcing immigration laws and returning individuals without the right to remain in the UK.
