Britain sets to offer failed asylum seekers 3,000 pounds to relocate to Rwanda
The British government has unveiled a plan to offer asylum seekers payments of up to 3,000 pounds ($3,836) each to relocate to Rwanda voluntarily.
This initiative aims to alleviate the backlog of refugees whose applications to stay in the UK have been denied.
This arrangement with Rwanda is distinct from the government’s previous attempt to deport most asylum seekers to the East African nation, a move that was deemed unlawful by the UK’s Supreme Court last year.
The new policy resembles an existing government approach where asylum seekers are provided financial aid to return to their home countries voluntarily.
However, under this new plan, individuals will receive the funds if they opt to reside in Rwanda instead.
Kevin Hollinrake, a junior business minister, emphasized on Wednesday that this policy represents a prudent use of public funds, as it is more cost-effective than supporting individuals in the UK who have been denied asylum but remain in the country.
Britain is currently grappling with tens of thousands of asylum seekers who have been denied refuge but cannot be deported due to legal constraints barring returns to conflict zones or countries with significant human rights abuses.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has heavily committed political capital to his pledge to curb the influx of asylum seekers arriving without authorization on England’s southern coastline in small, inflatable boats.
Despite this initiative, the government’s intention to transfer thousands of asylum seekers to Rwanda was deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court last year, arguing that it would breach both British and international human rights legislation.
