UK launches new sanctions regime to tackle irregular migration
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Asset Freezes prevent designated individuals or entities from accessing property, bank accounts, or economic resources in the UK.
Travel Bans bar entry or stay in the UK for sanctioned individuals.
Director Disqualification penalties will prohibit sanctioned persons from acting as company directors or forming UK-based businesses.
The United Kingdom has introduced the world's first dedicated global sanctions regime targeting people smuggling and organised immigration crime. Announced by Foreign Secretary David Lammy, the new regime will take effect from July 23 and is aimed at disrupting criminal gangs facilitating irregular migration to the UK Under the new sanctions, anyone found complicit in people smuggling, whether individuals, financiers, or companies, could face asset freezes, disconnection from the UK's financial system, and travel bans.The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will implement the first sanctions from July 23. Targets include gang leaders, those supplying small boats used for cross-Channel crossings, counterfeit passport networks, and intermediaries using informal money transfer systems such as Hawala.These sanctions will be legally binding across the UK financial system and apply to any UK individual or business engaging with the designated persons or entities. The measures are backed by powers under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act and will be debated by Parliament after the summer recess.The new regime forms part of the UK government 's 'Plan for Change' strategy, focused on securing national borders and reducing irregular migration. The FCDO has been working closely with the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Border Security Command (BSC) to identify high-value targets for sanctions.The BSC will also receive an annual funding boost of £280 million by 2028 to support investigations, surveillance, and technological upgrades to counter human smuggling networks.Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in an official statement, 'For too long, criminal gangs have been lining their corrupt pockets and preying on the hopes of vulnerable people with impunity as they drive irregular migration to the UK. We will not accept this status quo.'He added, 'From tomorrow, those involved will face having their assets frozen, being shut off from the UK financial system and banned from travelling to the UK.' Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called the sanctions 'a decisive step' and said the new measures will help dismantle the financial networks behind people smuggling operations. 'Together, we are sending a clear message that there is no hiding place for those who exploit vulnerable people and put lives at risk for profit,' she said.The sanctions are part of a wider three-pronged approach by the UK government - disrupt criminal networks, deter irregular migration, and return people who have no legal right to remain in the country.According to government data, over 35,000 people have been returned since the current administration took office, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period in the previous year.Under the sanctions regime:These rules apply to all UK persons, both within the UK and abroad, and to UK businesses regardless of location.The UK has introduced a pioneering sanctions framework aimed at criminal gangs driving irregular migration. Backed by financial, legal, and diplomatic tools, the regime seeks to disrupt people smuggling operations by freezing assets, banning travel, and cutting financial ties with complicit individuals and networks.
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