The government has successfully repatriated over 35,000 individuals without legal rights to stay in the country, including more than 5,200 foreign national offenders since taking office. The number of enforced returns is currently the highest since 2018, with a significant increase in returns of detained individuals compared to 2022. Efforts are being made to address the challenges left by the previous administration, with a commitment to closing all asylum hotels by the end of the current Parliament.
A substantial reduction in asylum hotels has been achieved, dropping from 400 in 2023 to slightly over 200, resulting in a decrease in daily costs from £9 million to £5.5 million. The number of asylum seekers accommodated in hotels has decreased by 16% in the first half of this year, contributing to an overall 11% reduction in asylum-related costs and saving nearly £1 billion in hotel expenses last year.
In response to the issue of people smuggling and illegal entry into the UK, the government is implementing reforms to expedite asylum appeal processes and establish an independent body to streamline decision-making. Various measures have been introduced to enhance border security, disrupt criminal networks, and facilitate the swift removal of individuals without legal status.
International partnerships have been strengthened to combat organized immigration crime, with agreements established with countries like Bulgaria, Romania, India, and Vietnam to enhance intelligence sharing and combat trafficking networks. Additionally, new arrangements, such as the UK-France treaty, have led to the apprehension of illegal migrants and subsequent deportations, dealing a blow to people smuggling operations.
To further strengthen border control and tackle illegal immigration, initiatives like the Deport Now, Appeal Later scheme have been implemented to ensure foreign criminals face appeals from outside the UK. Operational efforts, including the establishment of the Border Security Command and collaboration with the National Crime Agency, are focused on targeting smuggling networks and expediting deportations.
The government is committed to cracking down on illegal working, with a significant increase in raids and arrests since coming into power. Future plans include the Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill, designed to apply stringent laws to combat organized immigration crime and prevent a return to past inefficiencies and disorder.
By taking comprehensive action to increase returns, combat criminal gangs, and streamline asylum processes, the government aims to deter illegal migration and ensure a more efficient and secure immigration system for the benefit of the British public.