New UK deportation deal to make it easier to boot out criminals | Politics | News
Shabana Mahmood signs new immigration deal with Nigeria (Image: Getty)
Nigerian criminals, asylum seekers and immigration offenders will be deported from Britain in a more orderly manner, ministers have announced.
Britain struck a new deal with Nigeria on Thursday, eliminating the red tape surrounding planned suspensions.
Abuja has finally agreed to recognize UK Letters, an identification document used by the Ministry of Home Affairs in cases where a foreign national has lost, destroyed or does not have a valid passport.
This means that hundreds of Nigerians eligible for deportation will not have to wait for emergency travel documents issued by their Government.
The Nigerian government has also vowed to “review” its efforts to combat immigration crime. This is followed by fake business sponsorships, fake marriages, and fake financial or employment records.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed an agreement with officials during his state visit this week.
Border Security and Asylum Minister Alex Norris said: “Anyone who abuses our systems, breaks our laws or attempts to enter Britain fraudulently will be stopped and removed.
“Today’s agreement is another step in our mission to restore order at the border by ensuring the rapid removal of those who have no right to be here.
“Nigeria is an important partner in our work to tackle illegal immigration, as the UK is the largest African visa market and home to thousands of Nigerians who have made their lives here. We owe justice to everyone across the system.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs said about 1,150 Nigerians are deported every year.
Home Office records show nearly 3,000 people from the West African country are living in taxpayer-funded accommodation, including 516 in asylum hotels.
The number of people seeking refuge in the UK has increased from 1,149 in 2010 to 2,904 in 2025.
The vast majority held visas that included work, study and visitor permits before crossing and seeking asylum.
Minister of Home Affairs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said: “We as a country keep saying that we are fully committed to being a responsible country in meeting our fundamental obligations.
“It is good that we are starting this with the United Kingdom. This relationship with the United Kingdom means a lot to Nigeria. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has shown great commitment in this regard.”
“So this is a relationship that we aim to maintain for future generations.
“And in order to maintain this relationship, we must remember: ‘The just must have clean hands.’ That’s why we need to be as open and fair as possible.
“I hope this strengthened partnership will be a template for other bilateral understandings.”
