- The UK has paid migrants £53 million over the past four years to leave the country under a voluntary return scheme, offering up to £3,000 and paid flights to those returning to their home countries.
- Assisted returns have increased, with 6,799 people returning in 2024 compared to 2,179 in 2022; between 2021 and 2024, 13,637 people have participated in the scheme.
- In 2024, over half of the foreign nationals accepting assisted returns were from Brazil (3,573), followed by India (915) and Honduras (271).
- The Home Office argues the voluntary return scheme is more cost-effective than funding accommodation and support for those awaiting deportation, while Asylum Matters calls for bespoke support for migrants, including independent advice.
- The Home Office reported that nearly 30,000 failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals and other immigration offenders with no right to be in the UK have been returned, a 12 per cent increase compared to the same period 12 months ago.
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