By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
On October 20, 2024, the UK deported 44 Nigerians and Ghanaians in a notable surge of immigration enforcement. The Home Office confirmed this action as part of a wider initiative that has seen over 3,600 deportations since the Labour government assumed office in July.
In addition, asylum seekers arriving at Diego Garcia, a UK-administered island, will be relocated to Saint Helena as part of an upcoming treaty with Mauritius. However, around 60 Tamils, who have been stranded since 2021, will not benefit from this treaty due to ongoing legal battles.
While hundreds of asylum seekers have arrived at Diego Garcia, it remains a fraction compared to the tens of thousands crossing the English Channel. Notably, 647 individuals made that dangerous journey just on Friday, bringing the total for the year to over 28,000.
Historically, deportation flights to Nigeria and Ghana have been infrequent, with only four since 2020 and much smaller numbers previously. The latest flight, carrying 44 deportees, significantly exceeds past figures.
Source: The Guardian, Gists9ja
