The United Kingdom announced Wednesday that Ankara and London have signed a deal to enhance cooperation against irregular migration due to armed conflicts, instability and economic hardship.
The deal entails setting up of a joint operation center in Turkey to increase collaboration between the two authorities in addressing illegal migration, a statement by the UK Home Office said. Dubbed a “center of excellence,” the facility will be “aimed at disrupting criminal networks organizing illegal journeys,” according to the statement. British media outlets reported that under the deal, the UK government would also deploy more officials to Turkey to stem illegal migration.
The announcement comes as the British government's migration policy is under increasing scrutiny from the opposition Labour Party as well as international civic groups that accuse the state of mistreating irregular migrants.
The UK has been drafting new policies on irregular migration after its withdrawal from the European Union’s migration mechanisms under Brexit.
