ERBIL – British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani at Downing Street on Tuesday for talks focused on a new agreement aimed at addressing the growing number of Iraqi migrants arriving in the UK via small boats.
The talks are expected to result in a new returns agreement that would expedite the deportation of thousands of Iraqi nationals.
The UK government has faced challenges in deporting illegal migrants, particularly Iraqis, despite the country having one of the highest rates of small boat arrivals. Over 2,000 Iraqis crossed the English Channel in the year leading up to September, yet fewer than 30 were deported.
In a statement, Prime Minister Starmer described the discussions as the beginning of a "new era" in UK-Iraq cooperation. "Today marks a new era in UK-Iraq cooperation, which will deliver mutual benefits from trade to defence, as we continue to work together towards stability in the wider region," he said.
Starmer also emphasized that the new agreement would help combat the operations of people smugglers, a significant issue driving the migrant crisis. "Secure borders are a vital foundation of our Plan for Change," he added. "The deal will help dismantle the people smugglers' business model by sending the clear message that if you come here illegally, you cannot expect to stay."
The agreement, which was first secured by UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper during her visit to Iraq in November, will see Iraq agreeing to take back more failed asylum seekers. Baghdad has pledged to enhance its ability to process deportations by providing additional identity documents for suspected Iraqi nationals.
In return, the UK will provide financial support to Iraq, helping to strengthen its capacity to manage migrant returns and fund reintegration programs to assist returnees in reestablishing their lives in Iraq.
The deal is seen as a crucial step in addressing the ongoing issue of illegal migration to the UK, while also fostering closer ties between the two nations on trade, security, and broader regional stability.