Amidst heated debate and legal challenges, the United Kingdom Parliament has approved a contentious plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged that deportation flights will commence by July.
The “Safety of Rwanda” bill, aimed at curbing immigration by dissuading unauthorized arrivals, has sparked criticism from refugee rights groups, who argue it criminalizes genuine asylum seekers. Additionally, Britain’s Supreme Court previously ruled Rwanda as an unsafe destination for deportation.
Despite these concerns, Sunak remains committed to the Rwanda scheme, emphasizing its potential to stem the influx of unauthorized migrants crossing the Channel in small boats. The legislation, ratified by lawmakers on Tuesday, is set to receive royal assent from King Charles imminently, marking its formal enactment into law. Sunak has announced plans for the first deportation flight to Rwanda within 10-12 weeks.
However, the future of the Rwanda scheme remains uncertain, with charities and rights groups vowing to challenge individual deportations. The trade union representing border force staff has also signaled its intention to contest the legality of the new law shortly after the first asylum seekers receive deportation notices.
