UK’s first flight to Rwanda carrying migrants is scheduled to leave in two weeks, on June 14th.
UK on Tuesday announced its plans to fly the first planeload of asylum seekers to Rwanda on June 14. It was part of a new agreement that has sparked legal challenges from outraged campaigners.
The one-way flights are intended to offer would-be refugees’ new life in Rwanda and thus discourage others from entering Britain. It will affect illegal migrants coming particularly via perilous Channel crossings from France. For the first time, Home Secretary Priti Patel confirmed the target date. She also acknowledged that the new policy will face legal challenges.
“I will not be deterred and remain fully committed to delivering what the British public expects,” she said in a statement.
The Home Office has informed a group of asylum seekers that they will be relocated. They also mentioned that it was to an east African country, according to officials.
There are few details available about the number of people expected to be sent to Rwanda on this first flight. As well as how they were identified. Officials said those who will be deported are already detained. The government is bracing for a barrage of legal challenges to their deportation.
“The Home Office has begun issuing formal removal direction letters to those who are set to go to Rwanda where they will be able to rebuild their lives in safety,” a statement from the department said.
It is the next legal step following the issuance of “notices of intent” to dozens of people. All have entered the UK illegally.
Pressure on UK Prime Minister:
The timing of the announcement will raise eyebrows. It comes as pressure mounts on Boris Johnson to deliver on policy. It was also reported that he could face a vote of no confidence as soon as next week.
In a statement, Patel said: “Our world-leading partnership with Rwanda is a key part of our strategy to overhaul the broken asylum system and break the evil people-smugglers’ business model. Today’s announcement is another critical step towards delivering that partnership and, while we know attempts will now be made to frustrate the process and delay removals, I will not be deterred and remain fully committed to delivering what the British public expect.”
Officials from the Home Office have stated that they are speaking with all individuals to ensure that the process is fully understood and that people receive the necessary support prior to departure.
“Once in Rwanda, there is a generous support package, including up to five years of training, accommodation, and healthcare on arrival in Rwanda. Under this partnership the UK is also investing an initial £120 million into the economic development and growth of Rwanda,” the statement said.
Sharp Reaction from Human Right Watchdogs:
Campaigners have concerns about the availability of legal advice and mental health support for people informed that they may be subject to Rwanda’s removal policy.
An Afghan man who came to the UK as a child claimed that he attempted suicide. It was after learning about his deportation. After being detained, Hakim Khan, 32, stated that he would “rather die.”
The shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “The Rwanda scheme isn’t about deterring the criminal gangs or small boat crossings, it’s about chasing headlines regardless of reality. This is a completely unworkable, extortionately expensive, and deeply un-British policy. There is no proper process for identifying people trafficked or tortured.”
Since the Rwanda plans were announced, more than 4,850 people have arrived in the UK in small boats. This is more than twice the number that crossed during the same period last year. It maintains the same rate of increase seen since the beginning of the year.
