UK commits extra £8m to Pakistan to curb illegal migration

ISLAMABAD: The United Kingdom has announced an additional £8 million in support for joint efforts with Pakistan to combat crime and illegal migration, with the money earmarked for stronger border and visa systems and improved law enforcement action against people-smuggling and trafficking networks.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the British High Commission said the commitment was made by UK Minister for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan Hamish Falconer during his visit to Islamabad. It said the funding would also assist the return of individuals who do not have the right to remain in the UK and support community-based programmes in high-risk areas aimed at addressing the underlying causes of illegal migration.

The High Commission said the package includes work to improve identity and information-sharing processes, bolster law enforcement capacity to investigate smuggling networks, and expand prevention programmes designed to reduce vulnerability to exploitation.

Falconer links cooperation to security priorities

Falconer described UK-Pakistan cooperation as important for global and British national security, as well as efforts to counter terrorist threats, visa fraud and serious organised crime.

He said:

We are taking this partnership and our cooperation to a new level, with additional funding to deter illegal migration and target drivers from the source

According to the British High Commission, Falconer will attend a live demonstration on the second day of his visit showing joint law enforcement work against illegal migration. It said Pakistani authorities, with UK support, are intercepting non-genuine visa holders at Pakistani airports to ensure that only eligible travellers and students travel to the UK.

Minister thanks Pakistan over US-Iran deal

The British High Commission also said Falconer personally thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar for Pakistan’s role in reaching the US-Iran deal.

Referring to the development, Falconer said:

The news of a US-Iran deal is a hugely significant moment and I am pleased to convey my personal thanks, and that of the UK, to Pakistan during my visit here in Islamabad

He said Pakistan had played a critical role in brokering the deal for regional stability and added that the UK was ready to work together in support of lasting peace.

Falconer further said:

We remain grateful for the role Pakistan has played in facilitating negotiations. The UK and our partners will continue to work together to see the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz