The UK and Vietnam have signed a new migration agreement designed to fast-track the deportation of Vietnamese nationals found to have no legal right to remain in Britain. The deal, announced Wednesday evening, could potentially quadruple the number of returns and dramatically reduce processing times.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the agreement as a landmark deal during the signing ceremony at Downing Street with Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam. "This landmark agreement with Vietnam sends a clear message: if you come to the UK illegally, you will be swiftly returned," Starmer said in a statement. "We are cutting through red tape, accelerating removals, and dismantling the criminal networks that profit from illegal migration."
The agreement aims to reduce document processing times by 75% initially, with plans to eventually cut them by up to 90%. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who also signed the deal, emphasized the urgency of the measure. "For too long, this country has been unable to remove those with no right to be here," Mahmood stated. "This important deal with the Vietnamese will help us ramp up removals of illegal migrants."
Vietnam's Strongest Migration Deal
Downing Street characterized the agreement as Vietnam's strongest migration deal with any country. To Lam welcomed the partnership, saying it would "enrich the bilateral relationship between the two countries" and invited Starmer to visit Vietnam. The deal forms part of a broader comprehensive strategic partnership covering defense, security, trade, climate, and growth.
The agreement builds on existing cooperation that has already halved the number of illegal arrivals from Vietnam. Starmer told To Lam during their meeting: "I'm really pleased we're able to sign our migration agreement, which will build on the good cooperation that we have between our two countries now, will make it even faster, even more effective, and have a real impact on very many lives."
Separately, the BBC has raised concerns about one of its journalists, a Vietnamese national, who has been unable to leave Vietnam for several months after visiting family and attempting to renew their passport.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
