Millions spent by UK government to get migrants to return home

Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleLabour has spent almost £40m on an assisted voluntary returns scheme that pays migrants up to £3,000 to leave the UK. Since taking power in July 2024, Labour has significantly ramped up the programme, with 17,346 migrants accepting the offer by March. The Home Office defended the scheme, noting that an average voluntary return costs £4,000 compared to £48,000 for a forced return and £158,000 a year to house a family in an asylum hotel. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticised the government, arguing Labour should focus on stopping illegal arrivals rather than paying migrants to leave. The Refugee Council supported the voluntary returns process, saying it treats individuals with dignity while offering a far cheaper alternative to forced deportation. In fullLabour spends £40m paying migrants to return home as Mahmood ramps up removalsMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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