In the eyes of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, there will be no impediments to launching flights to Rwanda, an endeavour suggested as a solution for handling asylum seekers. Despite anticipating potential legal disputes over this program, the East African nation has been vetted by the British government.
The House of Lords gave the nod to the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration Bill) just past midnight, thereby bringing an end to the legislative stalemate that arose after the MPs dismissed a clause mandating a formal statement on the safety status of Rwanda by the secretary of state, after consultation with an autonomous watchdog body. This ruling led to the cessation of resistance to the plan within the upper house.
The objective, according to Mr Sunak, is to discourage migrants from attempting the dangerous voyage across the English Channel to the UK. However, recent reports confirmed that five migrants lost their lives in a failed crossing attempt near the French town of Wimereux. The French coastal authorities confirmed this incident, further adding that multiple attempts at crossing were intercepted during an especially hectic morning.
The process of organising the maiden flights from the UK to Rwanda is already underway and will commence within days. Asylum seekers potentially earmarked for this relocation are being identified and may face detention. It is expected that chartered flights to Rwanda will take off in approximately 10 to 12 weeks.
While Mr Sunak assures that regular flights will commence, government officials acknowledge that the initial number of migrants deported to Kigali will be rather sparse.
Regarding this new legislation, the prime minister stated, “This is not just a step forward, it’s a game changer in the global dynamics of migration. Our Rwanda Bill hopes to discourage migrants from hazardous journeys while breaking down the illegal networks exploiting them. Its approval means we can set clear expectations – come here illegally, you won’t stay.”
Despite potential blockages from the European Court of Human Rights, Mr Sunak remains resolute on his plan for the Rwanda flights, dismissing the Council of Europe’s appeal to forsake the scheme.
UK Human Rights Commissioner Michael O’Flaherty noted serious concerns about the human rights of asylum seekers following the passing of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill by British lawmakers. He urged the UK government to halt any actions under this new legislation and criticised what he deemed was an undermining of judicial independence.
Nonprofit organisations such as Freedom from Torture, Amnesty International, and Liberty have voiced their criticisms about the UK government’s dismissive stance towards a Supreme Court ruling that deemed the policy illegal in November. They argued that the Bill compromises the rule of law by eroding the safeguards that protect individuals from state power abuses, with the legislature being referred to as a “crime scene”.
Government ministers are expecting lawsuits challenging the policy, with 25 court rooms allocated to address such cases. However, they remain steadfast in the belief that the new law will significantly limit migrants’ legal means of preventing deportation to Rwanda.
The Safety of Rwanda Bill is set to receive the royal approval in the coming days, paving the way for the ratification of a treaty with Rwanda. Home Secretary James Cleverly voiced his support for the implemented measures, affirming the act will deter people from misusing human rights laws to prevent their removal.
Nonetheless, the Shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, deemed the policy a costly publicity stunt and not a solution to tackle perilous sea crossings.
Upon the bill’s passage in the UK Parliament, spokesperson for the Rwandan government, Yolande Makolo, expressed the country’s satisfaction. She however maintained that this change in British law won’t change the fact that Rwanda has always been a secure and welcoming country for locals and foreigners alike, thanks to their hard work over the past three decades.
“This demonstrates our capability to provide a safe haven for the more than 130,000 refugees presently residing in Rwanda. Our collaboration with the UNHCR allows us to ensure the secure relocation of migrants stranded in Libya to our nation.
Our dedication to the partnership concerning migration and economic growth with the UK remains strong. We eagerly anticipate the arrival of individuals who will be relocating to Rwanda.” – PA