Parliament has finally approved the British government’s plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, ending months of deadlock between the lower and upper chambers regarding the policy’s legality.
Now called the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024, the law sets to deter unlawful migration
Under the new legislation, asylum seekers who enter Britain illegally will be relocated to Rwanda. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has committed to the first deportation flight departing as early as July, ensuring a series of deportations throughout the summer regardless of obstacles.
Tens of thousands of people have crossed the English Channel over the last couple of years, fleeing poverty and war in their home countries. According to BBC home and legal correspondent Dominic Casciani, there are currently 52,000 people who could be considered.
https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3540
The Government is ecstatic over the passing over the bill, describing it to be a landmark moment and an overall win for the country
The Prime Minister considered this a success, claiming the new law to be a means of protecting migrants: “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.”
James Cleverly, the home secretary, described it as a “landmark moment in our plan to stop the boats”. In a video shared on social media, he announced, “The safety of Rwanda bill has passed in parliament and will soon become law. This act aims to prevent people from abusing the law by using false human rights claims to block removals. It reaffirms the sovereignty of the UK parliament, empowering the government to reject interim blocking measures imposed by European courts. I pledged to take necessary steps to clear the path for the first flight, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. Now, we’re working tirelessly to ensure flights take off day in and day out.”
Denisa Delić, the director of advocacy at the International Rescue Committee UK, stated, “Regardless of the safety of Rwanda bill passing today, sending refugees to Rwanda is an ineffective, unnecessarily cruel, and costly approach. Instead of outsourcing its responsibilities under international law, we urge the government to abandon this misguided plan and focus on establishing a more humane and orderly immigration system at home. This involves expanding safe routes, such as resettlement and family reunion, and upholding the right to seek asylum.”
But the law hasn’t appealed to the public or human right groups in the same manner
However, the bill has faced significant challenges and criticism from human rights groups, who refer to the scheme as inhumane and illegal. They dispute the government’s claim, stating there is no evidence that this policy will stop human trafficking or dangerous boat crossings. While Rwanda is often cited as one of the most stable countries in Africa, many accuse President Paul Kagame of ruling in a climate of fear.
Asylum Seekers Voice their concerns
Sky News reported a meeting in Derby, where a number of asylum seekers spoke about their concerns regarding the bill:
Hamzeh, 34, from Iran: He arrived by small boat in December 2022 and received a letter from the Home Office stating it has evidence that he was in France before claiming asylum. The letter mentioned the possibility of asking Rwanda to admit him. Hamzeh expressed his constant worry and uncertainty about the situation. He explained that he can’t stop thinking about it and doesn’t know what to do. He shared that his wife back home has warned him that if he is sent to Rwanda, he won’t see her or their two-year-old child again.
Fahed, 30: He arrived in the UK by small boat last July and claims he was tortured in Sudan. Fahed mentioned that the asylum seekers he lives with are “losing sleep” over the prospect of being sent to Rwanda. “Before I came to the UK, if you’d said they’d send me to Rwanda, I’d never come here,” he says. Fahed adds, “Rwanda is not a safe country.”
Fatima, 26: She arrived on a small boat in June last year and claims to have no regrets about coming to the UK. Fatima says she feared being killed by the Taliban back home in Afghanistan because she had worked with the Americans. She becomes tearful at the thought of being sent to Rwanda. “It’s not fair, especially for someone who came from Afghanistan,” she says.
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