The UK is planning to send 5,700 migrants to Rwanda this year as mentioned by a minister on Tuesday. This follows the approval of the deportation plan after a lengthy debate, in parliament.
Rwanda has tentatively agreed to accept the 5,700 migrants in the UK according to an announcement made by the interior ministry on Monday. Out of these individuals 2,143 can be. Detained before their transfer.
Health Secretary Victoria Atkins mentioned on Tuesday that law enforcement agencies will track down the remaining migrants earmarked for deportation.
The goal is to deport this group by the end of the year as stated by Atkins in an interview with Sky News. She emphasized that those who fail to comply with reporting requirements will be located and deported accordingly.
Migrants who arrived in the UK between January 2022 and June year may have their asylum claims rejected and face removal to Rwanda according to information from the ministry. Official statistics show that, over 57,000 individuals attempted Channel crossings via boats during this 18 month period.
The challenges posed by managing arrivals and the governments controversial plan to relocate some individuals to Rwanda are highlighted by the data. Under this initiative, which is expected to cost UK taxpayers a sum asylum claims will be assessed in Kigali. If granted individuals can reside in Rwanda without returning to the UK.
Rwanda, a country, in Africa’s Great Lakes region with a population of 13 million prides itself on being one of the continents nations and receives accolades for its modern infrastructure. However human rights organizations criticize President Paul Kagame for governing through fear and suppressing dissent and freedom of expression.
Recently UK lawmakers passed the Safety of Rwanda Bill requiring judges to consider Rwanda as a third nation. This legislation was enacted following a ruling by the UK Supreme Court year that deemed sending migrants on one way tickets unlawful. Additionally decision makers handling asylum requests now have authority under the law to overlook aspects of international and domestic human rights regulations.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s governments flagship policy has faced criticism from opposition parties, in the UK, UN agencies and various human rights organizations.
Week he mentioned that deportation flights are set to start in the 10 to 12 weeks.
Sunak aims to reduce what he deems as unjust levels of immigration, to the UK following a yearly net migration exceeding 745,000. The government has implemented measures, such as raising the salary for skilled work visas by 47% and increasing income requirements for certain family visas while enforcing stricter rules for students.
Home Secretary James Cleverly stated on Tuesday that these policies are effective noting a 80% decline in student visa applications compared to the period in 2023. He emphasized that this is a step in their plan to curb migration further with actions planned ahead.
The continuous rise in numbers was undermining confidence, in the immigration system straining services and suppressing wages. Cleverly expressed his intention to reduce the figure by 300,000.
