‘Hundreds’ of Albanian migrants returned underneath ‘landmark’ deal – however many have absconded or nonetheless in hostels, says Jenrick

“Hundreds” of migrants have to this point been returned to Albania underneath the federal government’s “landmark” cope with the nation, says immigration minister Robert Jenrick.

That’s regardless of greater than 12,000 Albanian individuals crossing the Channel on small boats final yr, in response to official figures.

Speaking to Sky’s Sophy Ridge, Mr Jenrick initially mentioned “thousands” of unlawful migrants had been being returned to Albania, earlier than clarifying that “hundreds” had been positioned on the flights agreed in December final yr.

He mentioned it was nonetheless “early days” and that “spurious last minute claims” had held up deportations – however admitted many others had been at present in motels or had absconded.