Financial package for illegal migrants from the UK

Accra, Nov. 19, GNA - The British Government has instituted a financial package for illegal migrants, who voluntarily return to their home countries to help in national development.

It is to enable them to successfully integrate with their families and friends, as well as society and to begin a new life.


Mr Peter Jones, Director of Migration, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, announced this when speaking on the topic "New UK Government's Approach to Migration, Attention to West Africa", at a Public Lecture jointly organised by the Centre for Migration Studies and British High Commission in Accra on Friday.


He commended stakeholders in the fight against illegal migration to the United Kingdom.


Mr Jones said more than 5,000 illegal foreign national prisoners had returned to their home countries from the UK. He announced that Ghana would serve as regional discussion centre for West Africa Migration activities.

Mr Jones said the British Government would assist the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) to develop itself into an agency that would champion migration agenda in Ghana.


"The Migration Section at the British High Commission in Accra works closely with GIS and other key government departments across the migration agenda," he said.


Mr Jones said the focus was on building the capacity of the country to tackle migration issues, adding that, this include providing training and advice to the Ghana Prison Service and funding of a new strategic plan for GIS.


Dr Kwesi Apea-Kubi, Deputy Minister of the Interior, said there was a four-year draft document on migration for the GIS and its expected to be ready in June next year to make their work more effective. He said there were series of campaigns going on in the country on illegal migration and expressed concern about the youth, who are determined to travel to Europe for greener pastures. Dr Apea-Kubi expressed his appreciation to the European Union (EU) and other development partners for their efforts in the fight against illegal migration in West Africa, particularly Ghana.