UK and Vietnam agree deal to crack down on illegal migration
The deal will 'fast-track the removals process'
The UK and Vietnam have agreed a landmark new agreement to crack down on illegal migration and fast-track the removals process.
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The Prime Minister has today announced the new migration agreement with Vietnam will potentially enable four times as many Vietnamese nationals to be returned to their home country.
This deal hopes to reduce the time for processing migrants’ documents by 75% for cases with supporting evidence – and eventually down by almost 90% – by cutting through red tape.
The government says the deal will save the taxpayer money and deliver on the Prime Minister’s promise to cut down on irregular migration and protect our borders.
Sir Keir signed the deal alongside To Lam, general secretary of the communist party of Vietnam, as he visited Downing Street on Wednesday evening.
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As they sat in No 10's White Room, the Prime Minister told the visiting leader: "I'm really pleased we're able to sign our migration agreement, which will build on the good co-operation that we have between our two countries now, will make it even faster, even more effective, and have a real impact on very many lives."
Sir Keir was invited to visit Vietnam in by Mr Lam, who spoke via a translator, in order to "enrich the bilateral relationship between the two countries".
I’ve just secured a landmark agreement with Vietnam to ramp up the returns process of illegal migrants.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) October 29, 2025
I mean it when I say: if you come here illegally, you will be swiftly returned.
In a statement, Sir Keir said: “This landmark agreement with Vietnam sends a clear message: if you come to the UK illegally, you will be swiftly returned.
“We are cutting through red tape, accelerating removals, and dismantling the criminal networks that profit from illegal migration. This deal delivers on our promise to protect our borders and cut down on migration.
“The number of illegal arrivals from Vietnam has already been cut by half, but more can be done. Today’s agreement shows that through international cooperation - not shouting from the sidelines – we can deliver for the UK and for working people."