British Parliament approves controversial bill to deport migrants in Rwanda. Although Britain’s High Court ruled last year that the African country could not be categorized as a “safe country” to return migrants to, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expects the first plane carrying migrants to take off within weeks. Here’s what’s known:
Who will be deported?
The British government wants to deport to Rwanda all people who arrive on the Island without the necessary documents – regardless of their country of origin. There they can apply for asylum, and if it is approved, they will have the right to stay in Rwanda, but with no chance of returning to Britain, explains ARD.
What is the purpose?
Under the call “Stop the Boats”, Prime Minister Sunak promised a more restrictive policy towards migrants. In 2023, about 30,000 people crossed the English Channel by boat. This year only until the end of March they are 4,600, which is a record.
The government says the deal with Rwanda will help protect borders but also the security of migrants who make the dangerous journey by boat. The Conservative Party hopes that the policy will win it more support in the next election. The Tories are currently well behind Labor in the polls.
What will Rwanda get?
According to estimates by the Audit Office in London, the government will pay Rwanda up to half a billion pounds. Hundreds of thousands of pounds can be added to this amount for each migrant admitted.
Critics of the policy say the cost is too high for Britain.
Is the decision legal?
Although the Supreme Court has declared unequivocally that a fair asylum procedure cannot be guaranteed in Rwanda, Prime Minister Sunak has by law designated it as a safe third country. Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has ruled the country for 24 years, is ruling with repression of the opposition and stifling free speech, according to human rights activists. The UN reports cases of extrajudicial executions, torture and unexplained deaths in prisons.
Why did Rwanda sign the agreement?
Authoritarian authorities in the capital, Kigali, hope to improve their image in the West and divert attention from serious human rights issues in the country. The high sums that London will pay to Rwanda is also a motive.
When will the deportations begin?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hopes the first deportations will take place within 10 to 12 weeks. He stated that a contract has already been signed with a commercial airline to operate the flights, as well as with an airport from which they will be operated. According to British media, there are also plans to deport the asylum seekers to Rwanda even earlier, if necessary by regular flights.
