The UK and Iraq have finalized a “world-first” deal to combat people-smuggling gangs in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, aiming to stop dangerous migrant crossings across Europe and into the UK. This agreement is central to the UK government’s goal of dismantling smuggling operations and tackling illegal migration.
In recent years, Iraqi-Kurds have become significant players in people trafficking. Many migrants from the region risk their lives crossing the English Channel. This month, a French court sentenced members of a smuggling network to up to 15 years in prison. Another smuggler, Barzan Majeed, known as “Scorpion,” was arrested in Iraq after fleeing a Belgian prison sentence.
UK Home Secretary Yvette Cooper recently visited Iraq and the Kurdish region to finalize this landmark security deal. It enables regular cooperation between UK law enforcement, including the National Crime Agency, and their Iraqi counterparts. Efforts will include social media campaigns to counter misinformation spread by smugglers, faster deportation processes for migrants without legal rights, and humanitarian commitments.
Ms. Cooper stated, “These commitments send a clear signal to criminal gangs that we’re determined to work globally to stop them.” She highlighted that smuggling operations stretch from France and Germany to Iraq, requiring cross-border law enforcement.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the agreement as a vital step to stop smuggling operations before they reach the UK. “I’m pleased to announce a new security agreement between Iraq and the UK to help smash people-smuggling gangs and secure our borders,” he said. He also announced additional funding to support Iraqi law enforcement.
The UK will provide £300,000 for border security training and the same amount to enhance Iraq’s capacity to combat organized crime. This is part of a broader effort to address the ongoing challenge of small boat crossings. Public concerns about migration remain significant, with legal migration figures recently reported at 728,000 for the year ending June, down from 906,000 the previous year.
During her visit, Ms. Cooper met with Iraqi and Kurdish leaders, including the Kurdistan Regional Government’s President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. She emphasized the importance of global partnerships to stop human trafficking and improve border security.
As part of these efforts, the UK is launching a new Border Security Command (BSC) with additional funding of £75 million. The BSC aims to strengthen partnerships and tackle the international nature of organized immigration crime. Ms. Cooper called human trafficking an “evil trade in human lives” and stressed the need for global cooperation to save lives and improve security.
Tony Smith, former head of the UK’s Border Force, supported the agreement, stating that speeding up returns to Iraq could deter migrants and smugglers. “We need to show evidence that Iraq is taking people back safely,” he said. Deterrence, he added, is key to discouraging dangerous journeys.
The deal marks a major step in addressing the complex issue of illegal migration and tackling criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals.
