A landmark summit aimed at addressing the growing issue of organised immigration crime (OIC) concluded with international agreements to enhance border security and dismantle criminal networks involved in illegal immigration activities.
Held with key international partners, including the UK, France, Iraq, Vietnam, and the USA, as well as agencies like the National Crime Agency (NCA), the summit focused on tackling the complex issues surrounding OIC. Discussions covered critical areas such as dismantling the supply chains that support criminal operations, countering the financial networks that enable these crimes, and strengthening border security systems. Additionally, the summit addressed how to combat OIC activities online, particularly in relation to advertising and promoting illegal immigration services via digital platforms.
Unlike previous events, this summit brought together European nations, key source and transit countries, and crucial equipment suppliers, such as small boat manufacturers. This inclusive approach allowed for a more comprehensive strategy to combat the global threat of OIC, ensuring greater collaboration across diverse regions.
Concrete commitments were made across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and North America to enhance international cooperation and disrupt criminal networks facilitating illegal immigration. Notably, a new joint initiative with France will focus on addressing irregular migration in source and transit countries. This includes community outreach and bolstering the detection of fraudulent documents, with a particular focus on training Iraqi officials.
This summit represents a significant step in the UK government’s “Plan for Change,” which aims to restore order to the immigration system and align with the priorities of working people. It follows the release of new figures showing that over 24,000 people without the right to remain in the UK have been returned since the last election, marking the highest return rate in eight years.
In a statement, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper underscored the global nature of organised immigration crime, emphasizing that no single country can tackle the issue alone. “Organised immigration crime undermines our security and puts lives at risk,” she said. “Today, the UK has led the way forward by securing international commitments to disrupt this vile criminal trade in people, part of our broader efforts to strengthen borders and keep communities safe.”
Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt echoed these sentiments, calling for a coordinated international response to tackle OIC. “The cruelty and greed of criminal gangs put the lives of vulnerable people at risk in dangerous crossings, all for financial gain,” Hewitt stated. “This summit marks a crucial step in strengthening global cooperation to prevent further loss of life.”
Graeme Biggar, Director General of the National Crime Agency (NCA), highlighted the increasing sophistication of criminal tactics, including the abuse of legitimate services and online platforms to facilitate illegal migration. “International intelligence sharing and cooperation are essential to track and dismantle criminal activities across borders,” he said.
As part of the summit’s outcomes, the Home Secretary announced over £30 million in funding to support border security projects aimed at combating OIC. The funding will be allocated to key initiatives across Europe, the Western Balkans, Asia, and Africa, with a focus on enhancing border security and disrupting criminal smuggling networks.
In addition, the UK and France will collaborate on a grassroots engagement programme targeting vulnerable communities at risk of exploitation by smuggling gangs. This initiative will educate individuals, including potential irregular migrants and community leaders, about the dangers of illegal migration and the realities of crossing the Channel to the UK.
The summit also saw agreements to provide critical training to Iraqi officials and commercial transport staff, improving their ability to detect fraudulent documents and combat the use of illicit travel documents in facilitating OIC activities.
These international commitments mark a significant milestone in the global effort to combat organised immigration crime and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Related topics:
- UK Hosts Landmark Summit to Combat Organised Immigration Crime
- ACLU of Idaho Sues State Over New Immigration Enforcement Law
- UN Committee Criticizes Canada’s Immigration Detention Practices, Calls for Reform
