Peregraf
British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper visited Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region this week to discuss strategies for combating illegal immigration, focusing on measures to dismantle smuggling networks and enhance security cooperation.
Cooper held meetings with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani in Erbil on Thursday. According to the KRG Media and Information Office, the discussions centered on “fighting illegal immigration, organized crime, and drug trafficking.”
Talabani’s office highlighted the importance of bolstering security coordination between the UK and the KRG to address the phenomenon of illegal migration and organized crime. During the talks, both sides emphasized the need for joint efforts involving the Kurdistan Region, the Iraqi federal government, and European countries to tackle the root causes of migration.
"Economic development and reducing unemployment among young people in various regions are the fundamental solutions to eliminating illegal migration," Talabani said, stressing that addressing security concerns alone is insufficient without broader economic initiatives.
The visit comes amid reports that the UK is negotiating financial and security agreements with the KRG, Turkey, and Vietnam as part of a broader effort to curb illegal immigration. The *Times* reported earlier this month that these agreements could be finalized by the end of the year.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, speaking ahead of the G20 summit in Brazil, emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of migration and deterring individuals from embarking on dangerous journeys. “Anything we can do to stop people leaving in the first place is the right thing,” Starmer said.
Migration from the Kurdistan Region
Informal migration from the Kurdistan Region remains a pressing issue. Many migrants travel to Turkey on tourist visas before attempting perilous sea journeys to reach Europe, often organized by smugglers. Italy is a frequent entry point, but the risks are significant.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), 3,041 deaths or disappearances were recorded in the Mediterranean in 2023, marking a sharp increase from 2,048 in 2021. Migration statistics from the KRG indicate that over 5,000 individuals from the region attempted to migrate to Europe in the first seven months of 2024 alone, with 43 deaths reported during these journeys.
Since 2015, nearly 650,000 Iraqis, including many from the Kurdistan Region, have sought asylum in Europe, with hundreds dying or going missing along the way.
The UK government has signaled its intent to adopt a proactive approach, drawing inspiration from Italy’s efforts to tackle illegal migration. Cooper’s visit underscores Britain’s commitment to forging international partnerships to address migration at its source and combat the criminal networks facilitating smuggling operations.