In a move that has stirred controversy and debate, the British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s proposal to relocate certain migrants to Rwanda has secured parliamentary approval. The plan, announced early Tuesday, entails the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, where their claims will be assessed under a five-year agreement.
Under this arrangement, asylum seekers deemed to have entered the UK illegally after January 1, 2022, will be eligible for relocation to Rwanda.
Once, their asylum claims will undergo processing. If successful, they may be granted refugee status and permitted to remain in Rwanda. However, those whose claims are not successful and will have the option to seek asylum in another “safe third country” or apply for settlement in Rwanda on different grounds, according to reports from the BBC.
Notably, individuals subject to deportation under this initiative will not have the opportunity to apply for return to the UK. The move is part of the UK government’s broader strategy to deter illegal immigration, particularly via small boats crossing the English Channel.
While specifics regarding the number of individuals to be deported remain undisclosed, Prime Minister Sunak has indicated plans for “multiple flights a month through the summer and beyond.”
To facilitate the process, the government has expanded detention capacity to accommodate 2,200 individuals and deployed 200 dedicated caseworkers to expedite processing. In addition, 25 courtrooms and 150 judges are reportedly on standby to handle legal proceedings associated with the deportation plan.
The impact of the Rwanda deportation plan extends to various nationalities, including Bharatiya migrants seeking asylum in the UK. According to recent data from the UK Home Office, the number of Bharatiya seeking asylum surpassed 5,000 in 2023, marking a significant increase.
Moreover, a concerning trend has emerged regarding Bharatiya migrants risking their lives to cross the English Channel in inflatable small boats, with over 1,000 individuals attempting the perilous journey in 2023 alone.
As the UK moves forward with its deportation plans, concerns persist regarding the welfare and rights of asylum seekers affected by these measures. The implications for individuals, families, and broader immigration policies are subject to ongoing scrutiny and debate.
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