UK Deports Migrant Sex Offender Amid Mounting Immigration Pressure

The UK government has deported an Ethiopian migrant and convicted sex offender. He was given £500 to leave the country. This comes as the government faces intense criticism over its immigration policies.

Ministers also announced a new returns agreement with Vietnam. The deal aims to fast-track the removal of migrants who arrive illegally. According to Reuters, this is part of a broader strategy to manage migration.

High-Profile Cases Fuel Public Outcry

The case of Hadush Kebatu has caused acute embarrassment for authorities. Kebatu was convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage girl and a woman. He was mistakenly released from prison last week.

A nearly 48-hour police manhunt ensued before his recapture. The interior ministry confirmed his forcible return to Ethiopia early Wednesday. A junior minister defended the £500 payment, stating it was cheaper than prolonged detention.

In a separate incident, a 22-year-old man was charged with murder. The suspect, reportedly an Afghan national, is accused of a knife attack in London. He had been granted asylum after arriving in Britain hidden in a lorry in 2020.

New Deals and Housing Controversies

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is pursuing multiple returns agreements. The new deal with Vietnam follows similar pacts with Iraq and France. Starmer said it sends a “clear message” that illegal arrivals will be swiftly returned.

Meanwhile, plans to house asylum seekers in former army barracks are proving contentious. The government intends to use two sites to accommodate around 900 people. This move aims to end the costly use of hotels, which a recent report found had “squandered billions.

The use of similar camps by the previous government led to legal challenges. Courts determined the facilities failed to meet minimum standards for housing.

The UK immigration policy is being tested by a confluence of high-profile criminal cases and operational challenges. The government’s response will be closely watched as it attempts to balance enforcement with human rights obligations.

Thought you’d like to know

Why was the deported offender given £500?

A government minister stated the payment was an operational decision. It was deemed a faster and cheaper alternative to a more complex removal process. The funds were provided to facilitate his immediate departure.

What is the new UK-Vietnam returns agreement?

The agreement is designed to streamline and speed up the removal of Vietnamese nationals. It allows the UK to return migrants who do not have a legal right to stay. It is the latest in a series of such deals struck this year.

How many migrants will be housed in former army barracks?

The government plans to use two former barracks to house around 900 asylum seekers. The sites are the Cameron Barracks in Scotland and the Crowborough camp in England. The goal is to end the use of hotels for accommodation.

What was the finding of the recent parliamentary report?

The report found that the interior ministry had “squandered billions” on the asylum housing system. This criticism spans different governments and their management of accommodation. The high cost of using hotels was a significant factor.

Who is investigating the mistaken prisoner release?

Justice minister David Lammy has announced an independent investigation. This probe will look into the circumstances that led to the accidental release of Hadush Kebatu. The findings are expected to inform future procedural changes.