UK and Iraq sign deal to combat irregular immigration: gov't

LONDON,— The UK has announced a “world-first security agreement” with Iraq, aimed at dismantling people-smuggling networks and strengthening border controls.

The deal, hailed as a major step in combating organized immigration crime, also includes broader cooperation to enhance border security measures between the two countries.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, who recently visited Iraq and its autonomous Kurdistan region, described the agreement as a clear signal of the UK’s determination to address cross-border crime.

“Smuggling networks have a far-reaching presence, extending from Northern France and Germany across Europe to Iraq’s Kurdistan region and beyond,” Cooper remarked. “This agreement reflects our steadfast dedication to combating criminal networks through robust international partnerships.”

The agreement includes a joint declaration between the UK and Iraq, pledging both countries to deepen their cooperation in tackling people-smuggling operations and bolstering border security measures.

Another key element focuses on expediting the return of individuals with no legal right to remain in the UK while providing support for reintegration programs in Iraq.

As part of the agreement, the UK will provide up to £300,000 to train Iraqi law enforcement officers in border security and countering organized crime, including drug trafficking.

An additional £200,000 will fund projects in Iraq’s Kurdistan region to boost capabilities in handling irregular migration and improve border management, including establishing a new task force.

The agreement also emphasizes combating misinformation propagated by people-smuggling networks online. A targeted communications campaign will aim to counter false promises and myths spread by smugglers to exploit vulnerable individuals.

The Home Office described this initiative as the most comprehensive operational package ever developed between the UK and Iraq to address serious organized crime and people smuggling.

Cooper reiterated its significance, stating, “This world-first agreement shows that even countries thousands of miles apart can unite to tackle shared challenges and send a clear message to criminal gangs: we are coming for you.”

In early November 2024, two Kurdish men from Caerphilly pleaded guilty to operating a major people-smuggling ring that trafficked thousands of migrants across Europe.

On November 4, 2024 another Kurdish man was sentenced to 17 years in prison for orchestrating illegal Channel crossings. The sentence highlights the UK’s growing efforts to disrupt smuggling operations bringing migrants into the country.