The UK government has introduced a new measure targeting Kurdish migrants, warning that those arrested for illegal migration will face deportation while also sharing the stories of several migrants who regret their decision to migrate to the UK.

On Sunday, a boat carrying 69 migrants, including about 20 Kurdish migrants, went missing in the English Channel. The boat was rescued by French police, and the migrants were returned to their country.

“Digital advertising launched today in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) as part of the government’s international campaign,” the UK Home Office said in a statement.

The campaign's goal is “to warn prospective migrants about people smugglers’ lies,” with expansion beyond previous campaigns in other countries.

The Home Office also shared the stories of four unidentified Kurdish migrants who migrated to the UK and now regret their decision. “Quotes from real migrants who have attempted the journey are featured, to counter the myths and misinformation peddled by criminals to dupe people online, as the UK government secures its borders as part of the Plan for Change,” Home Office stated.

The campaign aims to strengthen international partnerships, combat people smuggling gangs, and protect vulnerable individuals through the Border Security Command.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Dame Angela Eagle, stated, “Ruthless criminal gangs spread dangerous lies on social media to exploit people for money, and we are exposing them using the real stories of their victims.”

She added that the campaign’s goal is to dismantle the criminals' business model, protect individuals from exploitation, and “secure our borders as part of the government’s Plan for Change.”

The statement also clarified that UK Border Security Commander Martin Hewitt visited Iraq and the KRI last week to advance the agreements made between the UK and Iraq in November and to enhance border security cooperation. He met with senior officials from both the Federal Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government to discuss improving cooperation on immigration crime and border security.

The Home Office also released a short film today outlining the Border Security Command's mission, progress, and future plans.

The government’s official website published a Kurdish-language warning stating that anyone who enters the UK illegally could be arrested and deported.