The New Arab learned that Britain and Syria are moving closer to concluding a comprehensive bilateral agreement on the return of Syrian migrants to Syria and the prevention of "irregular" Syrian migration to Britain, following the first visit by Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to Britain.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer told al-Sharaa during their meeting on 31 March that he had a vision for ways to "achieve his hope of making further progress on migration, including strengthening cooperation in returns ", referring to the return of Syrians who were forced to migrate to Britain after fleeing the war in Syria.
A source at the UK Home Office said negotiations are underway with the Syrian government for assistance in implementing the UK government's plan to accelerate the return of Syrians who do not have permanent residency rights in Britain.
The source, who requested anonymity, said, "It is not currently possible to set a timeframe for reaching an agreement."
The UK government hopes to reach an agreement with Syria on a deal similar to the one signed with the Iraqi government in August last year.
Under that agreement, both sides adopted formal procedures to speed up the return of individuals without legal rights to permanent residence in the United Kingdom .
The agreement also aimed to activate Iraqi support in preventing small boats carrying irregular migrants from reaching British shores, as well as supporting programmes for the reintegration of returnees.
UK Home Office estimates indicate that, as a result of bilateral cooperation, the number of Iraqi nationals arriving in Britain via small boats fell significantly, from 2,600 in 2024 to 1,900 in 2025.
The source said Britain is conducting "active negotiations" with North African countries, particularly Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, to reach a similar agreement to stop irregular migration by boat.
A UK Home Office spokesperson declined to comment on progress in talks with Syria and North African countries.
The spokesperson said, "We do not provide ongoing commentary on government work or ongoing negotiations," and declined to comment on contacts with Egypt.
Regarding Tunisia, Britain announced a £5 million (about $6.6 million) funding package to finance local training programmes for migrants and strengthen Tunisian border security, thereby reducing small-boat crossings to Europe.
The spokesperson added that the government is working "closely" with partners across the Middle East and North Africa "to remove obstacles to their swift return".
The spokesperson said that "more than 60,000 people (to the Middle East) without legal right have been removed since July 2024" and pledged no leniency in the return of irregular migrants.
"If you break laws or try to enter the country by deception, you will be stopped and removed," the spokesperson said. Article translated from Arabic by Afrah Almatwari. To read the original, click here .