Britain's Rwanda migrant deportation

Published: 25th Apr, 2024

Context

Britain's parliament has passed Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda who arrived illegally.

Tens of thousands of people have crossed the English Channel in small boats in recent years, many fleeing war and poverty.
Britain's migration issue stems from various factors such as economic opportunities, political instability, and humanitarian crises, driving individuals to seek refuge or better prospects in the country.
- Official figures put 2022 annual net migration to Britain at a record of 745,000.
The influx of migrants, including asylum-seekers and undocumented immigrants, has sparked debates on national security, social cohesion, and resource allocation.
Policy responses, such as the Rwanda Bill, aimed at curbing migration often face criticism for their ethical implications, effectiveness, and feasibility, highlighting the complex challenges and controversies surrounding migration management in Britain.

Germany has tightened the border controls to address immigration concerns.
European lawmakers recently approved a revamped migration system to reduce unwanted immigration.
Denmark has also signed a similar agreement with Rwanda, but any development has not yet taken place. Italy has announced plans to build reception centres in
Israel scrapped a similar deal with Rwanda after five years.

Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 might not be compatible with the European Convention on Human Rights, affirms that Rwanda is a safe country.
The UK Supreme Court ruling has already shown that Rwanda’s asylum practices are “not safe” and “unreliable”.

Fact Box:

About Britain’s Rwanda Plan

The Act will allow the government to transfer illegal migrants seeking to enter the United Kingdom after Jan. 1, 2022 to Rwanda instead, some 4,000 miles away.
Partly this is in order to reduce the costly process of assessing migration claims and accommodating those applicants are successful.

English Channel (Location)

The English Channel is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates Southern England from Northern France.
It is located between the Isle of Great Britain’s southern coast and France’s northern coast and separated from the North Sea on the north by the Strait of Dover.
The Strait of Dover is the Channel’s narrowest point.
Important towns: Calais, Dover, Isle of Wight, and the Island of Jersey.

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