UK Government Extends Controversial Rwanda Asylum Scheme
The UK government has ramped up its flagship asylum relocation scheme by now including failed asylum seekers. Home Secretary James Cleverley confirmed the expansion to tackle the growing backlog of rejected asylum claims.
Who’s In, Who’s Out?
Originally, the scheme targeted only those arriving illegally after January 2022, who faced possible rejection of their asylum claims. Now, it’s been widened to cover:
- No Legal Right: Failed asylum seekers with no legal right to stay in the UK.
- Unsuccessful Applications: Those whose asylum claims were denied.
- Previous Illegal Entry: Individuals who entered the UK unlawfully before.
Legal Battles and Political Firestorm
The move to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has hit relentless roadblocks in Parliament, especially the House of Lords. The original scheme was declared unlawful by the Supreme Court in November 2023, causing major delays.
Despite this, court papers show the first deportation flight could be airborne as early as June 24. The Rwandan Prime Minister had promised to kick off the flights this spring.
Opposition Slams ‘Chaos’ and High Costs
Labour’s Shadow Immigration Minister Stephen Kinnock ripped into the scheme, branding it “in chaos.” He pointed out deportations have fallen 44% compared to the last Labour government and slammed the jaw-dropping £2 million cost per person sent to Rwanda.
Government’s Legal Workaround
To bypass legal hurdles, ministers struck a new treaty with Rwanda and passed the “emergency” Rwanda Bill declaring the country safe. The Bill gives ministers power to override parts of the Human Rights Act—a move sparking fury inside the Conservative Party, where some see it as too harsh, while others fret it could break international law.
