Source: The Kenya Times
The British government has proposed a scheme to provide asylum seekers with up to £3,000 each to relocate voluntarily to Rwanda.
This initiative stands distinct from the government’s previous plan to forcibly deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, a strategy that was deemed unlawful by the UK’s Supreme Court.
Under the new arrangement, individuals will receive financial support if they agree to settle in Rwanda, mirroring an existing policy where assistance is provided for asylum seekers to return to their home countries.
According to Kevin Hollinrake, a junior Business Minister in the UK, the rationale behind this new policy is the cost-effectiveness compared to the expenses incurred in supporting failed asylum seekers within Britain.
“So, 3,000 pounds, of course, that’s a lot of money, but it costs a lot of money to keep people in the UK who are failed asylum seekers,” Hollinrake told LBC Radio.
Relocation to Rwanda
Despite the upfront sum of £3,000 being substantial, it represents a lesser financial burden than maintaining individuals in the UK who have been denied asylum but remain unremoved due to legal constraints.
The proposed deportation flights to Rwanda are scheduled to commence in the coming months, with Prime Minister Sunak aiming to fulfill his pledge to “stop the boats” ahead of an anticipated national election later in the year.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been heavily invested in curbing the influx of asylum seekers arriving without permission, particularly on England’s southern coast via small, inflatable boats.
However, the government’s previous plan to deport thousands of individuals to Rwanda faced legal setbacks, culminating in a ruling by the Supreme Court that deemed the approach unlawful under both British and international human rights laws.
Despite this setback, Sunak’s administration is determined to forge ahead with its objectives by passing legislation through parliament to designate Rwanda as a “safe country” for asylum seekers.
Rwanda has indicated its willingness to accommodate a limited number of asylum seekers from Britain, with the potential to expand this capacity.
UK Collaboration with Rwanda
The British government’s collaboration with Rwanda signals a concerted effort to explore alternative solutions for managing the asylum process and reducing the burden on domestic resources.
By offering asylum seekers the option to relocate voluntarily to Rwanda, the government seeks to streamline the asylum system and expedite the resolution of cases that have been lingering due to legal and logistical challenges.
The proposed deportation flights to Rwanda are scheduled to commence in the coming months, with Prime Minister Sunak aiming to fulfill his pledge to “stop the boats” ahead of an anticipated national election later in the year.
This timeline underscores the urgency with which the government is pursuing its immigration policy objectives, despite facing legal obstacles and criticisms from human rights advocates.
Sunak’s determination to assert control over asylum arrivals reflects broader political imperatives and underscores the significance of immigration issues within the national discourse.
THE AUTHOR: The Kenya Times
