On November 28, 2024, the United Kingdom announced the signing of a security agreement with Iraq aimed at addressing the issue of people smuggling. British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the necessity for nations to collaborate more effectively to combat organized immigration crime.
Cooper stated that smuggling gangs are exploiting dangerous crossings, with operations extending from northern France to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. She highlighted the global nature of this crime, asserting that law enforcement must also operate across international borders.
As part of the agreement, the UK will allocate up to £300,000 (approximately $380,000) for training Iraqi law enforcement in border security. This initiative aims to enhance capabilities in countering organized immigration crime and narcotics.
Additionally, the UK has pledged £200,000 (around $254,000) to support projects in the Kurdistan region focused on irregular migration and border security, including the establishment of a new task force.
The pact also includes a communications campaign designed to counter misinformation spread by people-smugglers online. The Home Office described this agreement as the most significant operational package to combat serious organized crime and people smuggling between the two nations to date.