NEW DELHI: The UK is set to begin detaining migrants for deportation to Rwanda within days, following the approval of the controversial Rwanda migrant plan by parliament, according to an AFP report.
The legislation, which is a key policy of the Conservative government aimed at reducing irregular migration across the English Channel from northern France, was passed after a lengthy parliamentary debate on Monday night.
Just hours after the bill’s approval, French police reported that at least five migrants, including a child, lost their lives while attempting to cross the busy shipping lane in a small boat. Under the UK’s scheme, undocumented asylum seekers arriving in Britain would be sent to Rwanda, where their asylum claims would be processed. If approved, they would be allowed to remain in Rwanda.
Justifying the plan, Sunak said the “landmark legislation” would deter migrants crossing the Channel from northern France, and disrupt people-smuggling gangs behind them.
Just hours after the bill’s approval, French police reported that at least five migrants, including a child, lost their lives while attempting to cross the busy shipping lane in a small boat. Under the UK’s scheme, undocumented asylum seekers arriving in Britain would be sent to Rwanda, where their asylum claims would be processed. If approved, they would be allowed to remain in Rwanda.
The legislation, which is a key policy of the Conservative government aimed at reducing irregular migration across the English Channel from northern France, was passed after a lengthy parliamentary debate on Monday night.
Just hours after the bill’s approval, French police reported that at least five migrants, including a child, lost their lives while attempting to cross the busy shipping lane in a small boat. Under the UK’s scheme, undocumented asylum seekers arriving in Britain would be sent to Rwanda, where their asylum claims would be processed. If approved, they would be allowed to remain in Rwanda.
Justifying the plan, Sunak said the “landmark legislation” would deter migrants crossing the Channel from northern France, and disrupt people-smuggling gangs behind them.
Just hours after the bill’s approval, French police reported that at least five migrants, including a child, lost their lives while attempting to cross the busy shipping lane in a small boat. Under the UK’s scheme, undocumented asylum seekers arriving in Britain would be sent to Rwanda, where their asylum claims would be processed. If approved, they would be allowed to remain in Rwanda.
Here’s all you need to know about the Rwanda bill
- The plan, finalized in April 2022 under the leadership of former Prime Minister
Boris Johnson , stipulates that individuals who entered the United Kingdom unlawfully after January 1, 2022, will be relocated to Rwanda, a country situated approximately 4,000 miles (6,400 km) from Britain. - The legislation, which is a key policy of the Conservative government is aimed at reducing irregular migration across the English Channel from northern France. UK PM
Rishi Sunak said, “We introduced the Rwanda Bill to deter vulnerable migrants from making perilous crossings and break the business model of the criminal gangs who exploit them. The passing of this legislation will allow us to do that and make it very clear that if you come here illegally, you will not be able to stay.” - Under the UK’s scheme, undocumented asylum seekers arriving in Britain would be sent to Rwanda, where their asylum claims would be processed. If approved, they would be allowed to remain in Rwanda.⦁ The bill states that deportees will have the opportunity to seek asylum in Rwanda, but they will not be permitted to re-enter Britain.⦁ The new law stipulates that UK courts will be unable to assess the overall safety of Rwanda. However, individual cases may still need to be evaluated independently, although the scope for doing so will be significantly restricted.
- Named the Safety of Rwanda Bill, it comes in the wake of a UK Supreme Court ruling halting deportation flights due to concerns over migrant safety in Rwanda. Following the negotiation of a new treaty with Rwanda aimed at enhancing migrant protections, the government has introduced this new legislation designating Rwanda as a safe destination.
- The UK has made payments exceeding £200 million ($304 million) to Rwanda, even though no deportations have occurred yet. Resettling approximately 300 refugees in the African nation could potentially cost over £600 million. Currently, the agreement allows for up to 50,000 individuals to be sent to Rwanda. However, there is still uncertainty surrounding the number of people Rwanda has the capacity to accommodate.
