Second Deportation Flight From UK Confirmed For 25 August
A second deportation charter flight to Zimbabwe from the United Kingdom (UK) has been confirmed for 25 August, according to a key campaigner.
Dozens of Zimbabwean nationals are being held in Brook House Immigration Removal Centre and face removal from the UK.
Some of those set for deportation from the UK were convicted of serious crimes including murder and dealing in illicit drugs.
Speaking to The Voice, Zita Holbourne, co-founder and national co-chair of BARAC UK, said some Zimbabwean nationals have already been served removal directions. She said:
The date has been confirmed as there are people in detention who have been given removal notices.
Holbourne said many of those who were taken off the first charter flight to Zimbabwe last month, have been held in detention and now face removal again.
In July, a charter flight to Harare left with only 14 people on board after several legal challenges.
The flight was originally expected to have approximately 50 Zimbabwean nationals on board.
According to Holbourne, this is just the beginning of a “series of deportations that the government will be implementing.”
She explained one of those facing removal, came to the UK at eight years old and had refugee status before it was revoked.
Campaigners have argued deportations to Zimbabwe should be postponed until the country has stabilised after recent political and social unrest.
