Tagged:

UK Approves Plan to Send Asylum Seekers to Rwanda

After facing resistance and demands for amendments from the House of Lords, a controversial United Kingdom government bill proposing to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has finally secured approval. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that the government had made arrangements, including chartering commercial jets, to initiate deportation flights within a few months.

In April 2022, the UK signed an agreement with Rwanda. According to the deal, Rwanda will process and settle asylum-seekers. The UK government argues that the possibility of being deported to Rwanda will discourage migrants from undertaking the perilous journey across the Channel. The government has reported over 4,600 migrants crossing the Channel between January and March, exceeding previous records.

The Rwanda scheme has received criticism from various human rights groups and lawmakers across party lines. They argue it goes against the UK's commitment to international human rights law.

InFocus

UK Home Office/Flickr

Home Secretary Priti Patel and Minister Biruta sign the migration and economic development partnership between the UK and Rwanda.

Follow AllAfrica

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.