The UK government has announced a new agreement with Vietnam aimed at speeding up the deportation of Vietnamese nationals who arrive in Britain by irregular means. Under the deal signed at 10 Downing Street, those entering via small boats or lorries will face significantly faster return processing if they have no right to stay. 

 

Data show Vietnamese nationals made up 20 % of small-boat arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 — a ten-fold surge compared to the previous year. The deal is described by the government as its strongest migration treaty of this kind with another country. It invites enhanced cooperation including biometric data-sharing, quicker document issuance and efforts to break up criminal smuggling networks. 

 

Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated the agreement sends “a clear message: if you come to the UK illegally, you will be swiftly returned.” Its administrative reforms aim to reduce processing times by 75 % (potentially up to 90 %) for documented cases, and increase the number of removals of those with no legal status. 

 

At the signing ceremony, Vietnamese leader Tô Lâm joined Starmer in Downing Street, highlighting the strengthened bilateral ties. While the government emphasizes border protection and disrupting illegal migration, rights groups caution about safeguards for trafficking victims and due-process for asylum claims.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

The UK-Vietnam agreement will fast-track deportation of Vietnamese nationals who arrive via irregular routes and have no right to remain.

 

New measures include biometric data-sharing, expedited documentation and a cut in processing times by up to 90 %.

 

The deal is billed as the UK’s strongest migration treaty, but rights-groups raise concerns about the treatment of trafficking victims and asylum safeguards.

 

Adapted From 

 

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/oct/29/vietnamese-arrivals-in-uk-by-irregular-means-will-be-fast-tracked-for-deportation-says-no-10

Large Vietnamese community in France, linked to the colonial past. Probably the friendliest.

 

They run good, affordable restaurants and work primarily in this sector or as temporary laborers.

 

They never campaign, protest, or demonstrate.

 

The icing on the cake is that the women are slim and smiling; in fact, it was one of them who sparked my interest in Asia.

What about all the other illegals sneaking in the UK from Calais/France,  who pose a bigger threat to social peace and stability ?