Tech firms face fines for running people-smuggling ads

A DEAL to fast track the deportation of Albanian migrants came a step closer yesterday after Rishi Sunak and the country’s prime minister Edi Rama agreed to close loopholes preventing their removal.

The two leaders spoke on the phone to discuss plans to “step up cooperation” to stem the surge in Albanian migrants crossing the Channel to reach the UK. They have accounted for more than 12,000 or 30 per cent of the 44,000 small boat migrants. Mr Sunak and Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, are working on proposals to fast-track the return of Albanian migrants by making it easier to reject asylum applications on the basis that they have come from a “safe” country.

They are also examining proposals to revamp the modern slavery act to prevent Albanian migrants from exploiting the legislation in order to remain in the UK. A Downing Street spokesman said: “The PM acknowledged the positive contribution of the Albanian community to life in the UK, but both leaders agreed that more needed to be done to tackle illegal immigration and tackle organised crime together.

“They discussed plans to step up cooperation to address shared challenges, including closing loopholes that are preventing the rapid return of failed asylum seekers. (They) look forward to working together to deal with those issues and deepen the broader Uk-albania relationship.”

Ministers believe the Albanians will be receptive to fast-track returns agreements despite criticism last month by Mr Rama of Mrs Braverman’s “rhetoric” when she talked of an “invasion” by migrants and accused Albanians of abusing modern slavery laws.

Mr Rama has pushed the UK to take a similar approach to Germany which refused entry to the country to any Albanian arriving illegally but opened up a work visa route for Albanians who had learned German.

Mr Rama has also previously urged Albanians not to leave but set up businesses, and echoed UK ministers’ arguments that it is a “safe” country and a member of Nato negotiating EU membership. One option being examined by ministers would see Albania treated as an accession state and “safe” country.

It could mean migrants arriving in the UK would have their asylum claims treated as “unfounded,” and their removals fast tracked.

♦ Social media firms will be forced to prevent and remove adverts by Channel people smugglers or face multi-million pound fines under proposed new laws. A new offence of sending communications “facilitating modern slavery and illegal immigration” has been proposed in an amendment to the Online Safety Bill.