A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in major UK cities, with reports of Nigerian asylum seekers and undocumented migrants sleeping in waste bins and on streets to evade deportation. The UK government’s “Fast-Track Repatriation” policy has sparked fear among migrant communities, with many avoiding shelters and hostels due to concerns of being tracked and deported.
The situation has worsened following an agreement between the UK and Nigerian governments to expedite deportations, with weekly charter flights scheduled to Lagos and Abuja. New legislation has also limited migrants’ ability to challenge deportation orders, leaving many feeling they have no option but to hide.
“Its a tragedy of the highest order. These are people who came here looking for a better life, but they are now so terrified of being sent back to the economic hardship in Nigeria that they would rather sleep in a bin like trash,” said Adesola, a volunteer at a Nigerian community center in Peckham.
The UK government has warned that those without legal status will be arrested, detained, and deported, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer stating, “Illegal entry means detention, illegal work means arrest”.
Recent changes to UK immigration rules have also affected Nigerians, including increased salary thresholds for skilled workers and restrictions on family dependents. The graduate visa duration has been reduced from two years to 18 months, and the immigration skills charge has been hiked by 32%.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by Nigerians in the UK, with many calling for improved domestic conditions to prevent desperation and unsafe migration practices.
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