The British government has commenced the detention of migrants in preparation for their deportation to Rwanda within the next nine to 11 weeks, announced officials on Wednesday. This move marks a pivotal step in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s ambitious immigration strategy.
In April, Parliament approved legislation enabling the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda if they entered the UK without authorization. Sunak aims to launch the first deportation flights by July, positioning this policy as a deterrent against risky Channel crossings. The perilous journey has claimed the lives of five individuals attempting to reach England from France in the past week alone, with over 7,500 migrants arriving via small boats this year.
Despite governmental support, human rights organizations and labour unions are anticipated to mount legal challenges against the deportation flights. Last year, the UK Supreme Court ruled the policy unlawful, signalling potential hurdles ahead.
Visual evidence released by the Interior Ministry depicts immigration enforcement officers detaining individuals, signalling the swift implementation of the deportation process. Interior Minister James Cleverly emphasized the urgency of these efforts, stating, “Our dedicated enforcement teams are working at pace to swiftly detain those who have no right to be here so we can get flights off the ground.”
Confirming the initiation of detentions, refugee charity Care4Calais disclosed receiving numerous distress calls from affected individuals. However, specifics regarding the selection criteria for the first deportation flight and its scheduled departure remain undisclosed.
Additionally, a separate voluntary program saw Britain send its inaugural asylum seeker to Rwanda earlier this week, according to The Sun Newspaper. Natasha Tsangarides, Associate Director of Advocacy at Freedom from Torture, voiced concerns over the apprehension and potential deportation to Rwanda, citing heightened fears among migrants and the risk of disengagement from support networks.
As legal battles loom and concerns over human rights persist, the British government proceeds with its plans to implement controversial deportation measures, underscoring the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies.
