UK Unveils Tough New Measures Against Illegal Migration

The UK government has introduced new measures to tackle illegal migration, including the recruitment of 100 specialist intelligence officers and enhanced enforcement efforts. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized targeting organized immigration crime networks, increasing removal rates, and improving border security. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour government aims to replace the previous Rwanda scheme with stronger crackdown on criminal gangs.

The UK government has unveiled sweeping new measures to curb illegal migration, featuring the immediate recruitment of 100 specialist intelligence officers and the reopening of detention centers to expedite returns to countries of origin.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper detailed that the new officers will be assigned to the National Crime Agency (NCA) to target, dismantle, and disrupt organized immigration crime networks. Plans include ramping up immigration enforcement over the next six months to achieve unprecedented rates of removals for those without legal rights to remain in the UK, including failed asylum seekers.

Additionally, a new intelligence-led illegal working program aims to root out and terminate "unscrupulous employers" hiring individuals unlawfully. The comprehensive measures also advocate for increased detention capacity and enhanced digital capabilities to maintain contact and prevent undocumented individuals from disappearing into the illegal workforce. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed the discontinuation of the Conservatives' Rwanda deportation scheme, vowing instead to dismantle the criminal networks facilitating illegal crossings.

(With inputs from agencies.)