Government Campaign Targets Illegal Migration to the UK
A recent government-funded initiative aimed at deterring illegal migrants from entering Britain has shed light on the potential risks associated with far-right protests and the controversial Bibby Stockholm migrant barge, The i Paper has uncovered. The campaign utilized social media platforms to reach Kurdish Iraqis, featuring illustrations of anti-immigrant rallies interspersed with alarming statistics about the rise in far-right demonstrations.
In a series of videos, the campaign posed an important question to Kurdish Iraqis: would they feel safe and welcomed in the UK, considering the numerous extremist right-wing and anti-immigrant protests that have occurred throughout 2023?
This revelation follows an earlier report by The i Paper regarding a separate campaign in Albania, which aimed to dissuade illegal migration by portraying the UK as a place rife with bigotry and high living costs. The Albanian campaign showcased stark black-and-white images of shuttered businesses, dilapidated housing, and discarded furniture, accompanied by personal testimonies from Albanians living in the UK discussing the difficulties they encountered.
According to an internal assessment by the Foreign Office, such “dissuasive” communication strategies have proven ineffective, with critics labeling them as mere “costly gimmicks.” Daniel Sohege, the director of the human rights policy consultancy Stand For All, expressed concerns, stating, “Iraqis represent one of the largest demographics making perilous channel crossings, and we know that Kurdish Iraqis, in particular, face ongoing persecution in their regions. This approach risks empowering the far-right, effectively communicating that their violent and divisive tactics are having a discernible impact.”
The posts aimed at discouraging Iraqi migration were disseminated by ‘The Migrant Project – Kurdistan,’ operated by Seefar, a company registered in Hong Kong.
Further Details on the Campaign
- The Home Office engaged Seefar to implement its strategy targeting irregular migration from Northern Iraq, although the Home Office has confirmed that the contract with the company concluded in September.
- Since the termination of the contract, Seefar’s social media accounts have remained inactive on both Facebook and Instagram.
- This government strategy is part of a broader initiative to curb migration from specific countries, particularly those where individuals attempt to reach the UK via small boats.
While the Home Office’s campaign focused primarily on equipping potential migrants with skills and employment opportunities in their home countries, it also highlighted the alarming rise in far-right rallies occurring outside of asylum centers.
One notable post from March of last year stated, “Recent data indicates a surge in anti-immigrant demonstrations within the UK. In 2023 alone, 275 anti-migrant protests occurred, demonstrating that many extremist right-wing factions vehemently oppose new migrants entering the UK. How would you feel if you found yourself in such a situation after migrating to a new country?”
Another post featured a photograph of the Bibby Stockholm barge, emphasizing the type of accommodations that migrants might face upon arrival.
A spokesperson for the Home Office clarified that the social media accounts in question are neither owned nor operated by the UK Government. Seefar has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding this campaign.
