The UK government is intensifying its efforts to strengthen border security and tackle illegal migration through international diplomacy and enhanced cooperation with key partners. A central element of this strategy is the newly signed agreement with Iraq, aimed at facilitating the swift return of individuals with no legal right to remain in the UK while supporting Iraq’s efforts to reintegrate returnees. The agreement was formalized during a visit to the UK by Iraq’s Deputy Foreign Minister and Head of the Higher Returns Committee, reflecting growing bilateral collaboration on migration management and border security.
This new partnership builds on earlier agreements between the UK and Iraq, including last year’s cooperation on law enforcement training and capacity building to disrupt people smuggling and organized crime. It also reflects the wider commitment made by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani to strengthen migration cooperation. Beyond migration, the latest discussions expanded to regional security, Baghdad-Erbil relations, defense, and trade, showcasing a shift in UK foreign policy toward deeper, long-term partnerships rather than transactional ties.
UK officials highlighted the tangible impact of these initiatives, noting a substantial reduction in Iraqi nationals arriving by small boats—from 2,600 to 1,900 in one year—demonstrating the effectiveness of upstream cooperation. Security Minister Dan Jarvis emphasized that the agreement is part of building trust and cooperation with Iraq while addressing broader challenges such as organized crime and irregular migration.
The visit also reinforced the UK’s role as a partner in Iraq’s stability and development, with discussions on economic cooperation and infrastructure projects. This builds on a trade package worth up to £12.3 billion announced earlier in 2025, highlighting the economic dimension of the UK-Iraq relationship. Both countries also aligned on the need for de-escalation and diplomacy to ensure regional security in the Middle East.
More broadly, the UK is combining diplomatic engagement with robust domestic measures to restore order to the asylum system. Over the past year, more than 35,000 failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals, and other immigration offenders have been returned, marking a 14% increase compared to the previous year. New powers allowing the immediate deportation of foreign national offenders from prison and the expansion of the “Deport First, Appeal Later” scheme further strengthen the government’s approach. These measures aim to deter illegal migration, disrupt criminal networks, and free up capacity to support genuine asylum seekers through safe and legal routes.
Overall, the UK’s strategy reflects a comprehensive “Plan for Change” that combines serious international diplomacy with decisive domestic reforms to secure borders, dismantle organized crime, and maintain the country’s commitment to humanitarian protection.
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