UK Parliament Passes Bill for Deporting Migrants to Rwanda

On 22nd April 2024, the UK's upper house of parliament approved a bill facilitating the deportation of undocumented migrants to Rwanda, despite previous legal setbacks and international criticism.

Key Points

Background: Driven by concerns over the influx of migrants arriving via small boats, PM Rishi Sunak's government aims to curb illegal immigration by implementing measures such as deporting migrants to Rwanda.
The Rwanda Bill: The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill designates Rwanda as a safe third country for deporting individuals, aiming to address Supreme Court concerns and bolster protections through a new treaty with Rwanda.
Government's Policy: Under the plan, undocumented migrants arriving in the UK would be transported to Rwanda for assessment and potential resettlement, with integration support provided by the UK government.
Criticism and Challenges: The UNHCR and European Court of Human Rights have criticized the plan, citing concerns about the safety and legality of transferring asylum seekers to third countries without adequate safeguards.
Political Context: Immigration remains a contentious issue in UK politics, with the Labour Party opposing the costly Rwanda plan, while the government presses forward with deportation preparations amid potential legal challenges.
Future Plans: Despite potential legal hurdles, UK PM announced plans for the first deportation flights to Rwanda within 10-12 weeks, signalling the government's determination to proceed with its immigration strategy.