UK sanctions 25 people for illegal migration

UK sanctions 25 people for illegal migration

The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on 25 individuals and networks accused of facilitating illegal migration, in what officials have described as a “world-first” initiative to tackle people smuggling through targeted restrictions.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who announced the measures on Wednesday, said the sanctions mark the launch of a new regime aimed at dismantling smuggling networks responsible for enabling irregular migration.

The move includes asset freezes, travel bans, and restrictions on financial activities for those listed.

“Until today, nobody has been using this powerful tool to degrade smuggling networks,” Lammy said in an article published in The Mirror.

“I said I would change that. And this week, I have,” he added.

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According to him, the sanctions are part of a broader strategy to disrupt criminal operations that profit from exploiting vulnerable migrants, many of whom risk their lives in dangerous journeys across borders.

“Britain is now the first country in the world to create a sanctions regime targeting those smuggling people and enabling irregular migration,” he stated, adding that the targeted individuals woke up to find their assets frozen, bank accounts inaccessible, and their ability to enter the UK revoked.

Lammy noted that while sanctions are a powerful new tool, the UK is also implementing other initiatives to combat illegal migration.

These include development programmes in Africa offering alternatives to risky migration, provision of equipment and training in transit countries like Bulgaria and Kosovo, and enhanced law enforcement cooperation with Germany and France.

He said the UK recently agreed a pilot returns deal with France, aimed at dispelling the false promises made by smugglers to would-be migrants, adding that efforts are underway to encourage other countries to adopt similar sanctions regimes.

“I’ve already spoken to partners in Europe and beyond. There’s a lot of interest – others can see Britain is setting out a bold new approach,” he said

“This is how we stop criminal gangs lining their pockets from exploiting others. With innovative ideas. Proper partnership. And a plan. A Plan for Change,” Lammy concluded.

UK sanctions 25 people for illegal migration