The Home Office has reported a significant shift in the handling of immigration and detention, with a particular focus on Albanian migrants.
New statistics reveal that nearly 3,000 Albanian nationals were removed from the UK over the past year, reflecting the government’s intensified efforts to curb illegal immigration via small boats.
In the year ending March 2024, 16,031 individuals entered immigration detention, marking a 23 percent decrease from the previous year.
This continues a downward trend observed since 2015, attributed in part to the processing of small boat arrivals at the Manston site rather than within the detention estate.
Notably, over one-third (34 percent) of individuals leaving detention were removed from the UK, a significant increase from the 20 percent recorded in the previous year. This surge is primarily due to the rise in returns of Albanian nationals.
Total enforced returns rose by 70 percent to 7,016, aligning with levels seen in 2019. The doubling of enforced returns of Albanian migrants, reaching 2,842, played a significant role in this increase. Additionally, returns of foreign national offenders (FNOs) increased by 34 percent, following the introduction of new measures aimed at expediting FNO removals.
In an investigation by Express.co.uk’s Zak Garner-Purkis, who, under a fake identity, uncovered disturbing details about human trafficking operations, this website revealed that traffickers operating in the UK are alarmingly accessible, often using UK-based telephone numbers to arrange meetings with potential clients.
The investigation highlighted the ruthlessness of these smugglers, who operate both online and in person, creating a pervasive threat within British communities.
As Garner-Purkis discovered, these traffickers are not only highly organised but also deeply entrenched in local environments, posing significant challenges for law enforcement.
The crackdown on illegal immigration and trafficking is part of the UK’s broader strategy to secure its borders and address the complexities of modern migration issues.
With enforced returns and stringent measures against traffickers, the Government aims to deter illegal crossings and maintain robust immigration controls.