Controversial UK policy sparks debate over deportation to Rwanda
UK government confirms detaining migrants for deportation to Rwanda, part of a policy aimed at curbing asylum seekers
Under its divisive new policy, the UK government has acknowledged that a number of migrants would be detained and eventually deported to Rwanda in July. This statement follows the recent legislative ratification of legislation designating Rwanda as a safe third country, which permits the deportation of certain asylum applicants.
The move follows months of debate and a Supreme Court ruling last year that deemed such deportations illegal, citing risks of ill-treatment for the migrants. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in his bid to curb arrivals of migrants via small boats from mainland Europe, has pledged swift detention and deportation, with flights set to commence within 10 to 12 weeks.
Reports surfaced earlier this week of immigration enforcement officers detaining individuals earmarked for deportation. The interior ministry confirmed these operations, describing them as “nationwide” and announcing the detention of the first group of migrants slated for removal to Rwanda. Visual evidence, including photographs and video footage, was released by the ministry, depicting the migrants being escorted away in handcuffs.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Sunak expressed satisfaction with the progress, emphasizing its importance in operationalizing the deportation plan and serving as a deterrent against dangerous boat crossings.
However, the FDA civil servant union has challenged the new legislation, arguing that it places civil servants in a conflict between ministerial directives and adherence to the Civil Service Code. Dave Penman, the union’s general secretary, criticized the government’s decision, labeling it as politically motivated and irresponsible.
The government aims to deport 5,700 migrants to Rwanda this year, with over 2,100 identified for detention before deportation. Efforts to locate the remaining migrants are ongoing, with authorities asserting confidence in their ability to apprehend them. Detention capacity has been expanded to accommodate the impending deportations, with commercial charter planes secured and an airport placed on standby.
Despite claims of Rwanda’s stability, rights groups and critics accuse President Paul Kagame of authoritarian rule, sparking condemnation from various quarters including UK opposition parties, UN agencies, and French President Emmanuel Macron. While the Conservatives argue that the Rwanda deportation policy will deter cross-Channel arrivals, the Labour opposition dismisses it as a futile gesture.
Official figures reveal a surge in arrivals in the first third of this year compared to 2023, underscoring the ongoing challenge of migration management facing the UK government.
Source: AFP
