UK Government introduces new sanctions regime to address irregular migration

UK Government introduces new sanctions regime to address irregular migration
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The British government has launched a new sanctions regime aimed at anyone involved in facilitating people smuggling to the UK, Anadolu Agency reported.

The Foreign Office announced that individuals complicit in aiding people smuggling to the UK could face asset freezes and travel bans under new powers introduced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy.

The first round of sanctions will be imposed on Wednesday targeting gangs responsible for people smuggling and irregular migration to the UK, along with their enablers, including financiers and companies selling small boat equipment.

“Sanctions are intended to target individuals worldwide, who will be publicly named, making it illegal for the UK financial system to engage with them,” the statement said.

The Foreign Office emphasized that people smuggling and human trafficking pose significant threats to global security. The government is working to strengthen partnerships, including with the EU, to better secure the UK’s borders.

“Starting tomorrow, those involved will risk having their assets frozen, being cut off from the UK financial system, and banned from entering the UK,” Lammy stated.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper added, “Through the Border Security Command and key partners like the National Crime Agency, we are reinforcing international cooperation to address this global issue.”