UK to Deport Nearly 6,000 Migrants to Rwanda in 2024 Despite Criticism

The UK government plans to deport nearly 6,000 migrants to Rwanda in 2024, despite facing strong criticism from opposition parties, UN agencies, and human rights groups. The controversial scheme, aimed at deterring migrant arrivals on small boats from northern Europe, became law after months of parliamentary wrangling.

Rwanda has agreed to accept 5,700 migrants already in the UK, with 2,143 of them being detained for deportation. The remaining migrants will be located by law enforcement agencies. The deportations are anticipated to commence within 10-12 weeks "in principle" under the five-year asylum deal between the UK and Rwanda.

The new 'Safety of Rwanda Bill' passed by UK lawmakers compels judges to regard Rwanda as a safe third country and allows decision-makers on asylum applications to disregard sections of international and domestic human rights law. The government says there is no overall cap on the numbers that could be deported under the scheme.

Why this matters: The UK's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda has sparked a heated debate about immigration policies and human rights. The outcome of this controversial scheme could set a precedent for how other countries handle irregular migration and the treatment of asylum seekers.

The deportation scheme is expected to cost UK taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds and is part of the government's efforts to stem irregular migrant arrivals, with over 57,000 people arriving on small boats in the 18-month period from January 2022 to June 2023. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak believes the plan will help address the issue of illegal immigration, but it has faced significant backlash and declining public support.

Meanwhile, Ireland has warned that it will take action to stem an influx of asylum seekers from Northern Ireland, stating that it will not allow other countries to use it as a "loophole" for their own immigration policy. The Irish government is drafting emergency legislation to send these asylum seekers back to the UK, triggering a clash between the two countries.

The UK's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda has cleared its last political hurdle and is expected to be implemented soon, despite facing further court challenges. The Rwandan government insists it is committed to its international obligations and is ready to receive migrants from Britain. As the UK moves forward with its controversial deportation scheme, the international community continues to closely monitor the situation and its potential implications for human rights and the treatment of asylum seekers.

Key Takeaways

• UK plans to deport nearly 6,000 migrants to Rwanda in 2024 despite criticism.
• New 'Safety of Rwanda Bill' allows ignoring human rights law for asylum decisions.
• Deportation scheme expected to cost UK hundreds of millions, part of efforts to stem migrant arrivals.
• Ireland warns it will not allow UK to use it as 'loophole' for immigration policy.
• UK's deportation plan faces further court challenges but is expected to be implemented soon.