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Government paying millions to help migrants leave UK

The UK has paid migrants £53 million over the past four years to leave the country under a voluntary return scheme, offering up to £3,000 and paid flights to those returning to their home countries.
Assisted returns have increased, with 6,799 people returning in 2024 compared to 2,179 in 2022; between 2021 and 2024, 13,637 people have participated in the scheme.
In 2024, over half of the foreign nationals accepting assisted returns were from Brazil (3,573), followed by India (915) and Honduras (271).
The Home Office argues the voluntary return scheme is more cost-effective than funding accommodation and support for those awaiting deportation, while Asylum Matters calls for bespoke support for migrants, including independent advice.
The Home Office reported that nearly 30,000 failed asylum seekers, foreign criminals and other immigration offenders with no right to be in the UK have been returned, a 12 per cent increase compared to the same period 12 months ago.