UK and Turkiye Unveil Deal to Tackle Mediterranean Migration Crisis
Ankara: The UK and Turkiye have recently announced a groundbreaking deal aimed at addressing the pressing issue of migration in the Mediterranean region. The agreement, which has sparked discussions and debates, highlights the commitment of both nations to manage and reduce the influx of migrants crossing their borders.
The pact includes increased financial support and aid from the UK to Turkiye, specifically designated for strengthening efforts in migrant management. This assistance may involve various initiatives, such as enhancing maritime border security training and deploying advanced customs detection equipment.
According to a recent investigation by The Guardian, the UK provided over £3 million ($3.8 million) in funding to Turkish border forces in the past year to prevent migrants from reaching the UK. The agreement also includes provisions for sharing customs data, conducting joint police operations to dismantle human-smuggling networks, and disrupting the supply chain responsible for transporting small boats and related components across Europe.
However, one aspect that the agreement does not address is the repatriation of failed Turkish asylum-seekers. Due to the lack of formal return protocols between the two nations since Brexit, there is currently no mechanism in place for returning unsuccessful asylum-seekers to Turkiye. Turkiye has only entered into an arrangement with the EU for the readmission of irregular migrants who have crossed its territory.
To prepare for this landmark accord, British Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick recently visited Turkiye. British Home Secretary Suella Braverman expressed her optimism about the partnership, stating that it would enable law enforcement agencies from both countries to collaboratively address the challenge of migration and disrupt the illicit small boat supply chain.
Turkiye, with its busiest border crossing in Europe at Kapikule, has seen 1,486 Turkish nationals attempting to enter the UK via the English Channel in the first seven months of this year. This number is second only to Afghans attempting the same crossing. In light of this, the British government plans to establish a “center of excellence” under the Turkish National Police to strengthen collaboration and facilitate the exchange of real-time intelligence related to refugees.
However, Turkiye’s current status as a non-designated “safe home” country under the Illegal Migration Act has raised concerns. The UK Parliament will need to amend its legislation to include Turkiye in the list of safe countries. This anticipated amendment is expected to generate passionate debate.
The forthcoming UK-Turkiye Migration Dialogue, scheduled to take place in London this autumn, will provide a platform to discuss and further highlight the significance of this momentous accord. It is expected to command center stage during the dialogue.
In a parallel development, the UK has started housing asylum-seekers on a barge called Bibby Stockholm. However, this plan faced a setback when migrants were temporarily removed from the barge due to traces of Legionella bacteria found in the water system on board. This initiative is part of the UK government’s controversial strategy to deal with the large number of people arriving in the country on small boats and reduce the cost of accommodating refugees.
Ahead of local elections, the Turkish police force is expected to intensify operations against irregular migrants and target human smugglers by combating migration routes. Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya recently announced that over 2,000 operations had been conducted against smuggling networks, resulting in the arrest of more than 1,300 individuals.
Critics argue that the UK’s externalization policy with various countries around the world, including Turkiye, has not been effective in addressing the root causes of migration. They express concerns about potential human rights violations and the possibility of Turkiye becoming a country where migrants are held in large quantities. It is important for any deal struck with Turkiye to prioritize human rights and ensure that individual refugee applications are assessed based on their unique circumstances.
As the UK and Turkiye embark on this groundbreaking partnership, it is crucial for the international community to recognize Turkiye’s significant role in hosting the highest number of refugees in the region. Sharing responsibility and prioritizing human rights should be at the forefront of any agreement between the two nations.