The UK government has signed a new migration agreement with Iraq, aimed at accelerating the return of migrants who have no legal right to remain in Britain.
The deal, signed by Home Office minister Dan Jarvis during a two-day visit from Iraq’s Deputy Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, builds on previous cooperation between the two nations to combat people-smuggling gangs and reduce dangerous Channel crossings.
More than 27,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year, compared to around 18,000 during the same period in 2024.
Focus on Iraqi Migrants
According to Home Office figures, the number of Iraqi nationals making the crossing has dropped to 1,900 in the year ending March 2025, down from 2,600 the previous year. The government said this decline reflects the success of joint efforts with Baghdad in tackling irregular migration and dismantling smuggling networks, many of which are run by Iraqi Kurds.
Under the new agreement, formal processes will be introduced to swiftly return those without a legal right to stay in the UK. However, not all arrivals will be removed, as 26% of Iraqis who made the journey last year were granted asylum at the initial decision stage due to proven risk of persecution.
Political Dispute Over Migration Deal
The deal has drawn sharp criticism from the Conservative opposition. Shadow home secretary Chris Philp described it as “a sham designed to look tough while crossings keep soaring,” arguing that Iraqis make up only a small fraction of current arrivals.
The Labour government defended the agreement, pointing to wider results. Officials said that more than 35,000 people with no right to remain in the UK have been returned in Labour’s first year, a 14% increase compared to the same period under the previous government.
Part of Wider Migration Strategy
The Iraq agreement follows similar bilateral deals struck with Albania and Vietnam. Last year, the UK committed £800,000 to boost Iraqi law enforcement and border security, while just last month, London also signed a new deal with France to exchange small boat arrivals for an equivalent number of asylum seekers.
Jarvis stressed that collaboration was crucial, saying: “By working together on security, development and migration challenges, we are building stronger relationships that benefit both our countries whilst tackling shared challenges like organised crime and irregular migration.”
