By Ollus Ndomu
Despite facing resistance and calls for amendments from the House of Lords, the United Kingdom government’s contentious bill proposing to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda has finally obtained approval.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak confirmed that arrangements, including chartering commercial jets, have been made to commence deportation flights within the coming months.
The bill, which has been met with widespread criticism, aims to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing and settlement under an agreement signed between the UK and Rwanda in April 2022.
The UK government argues that the prospect of deportation to Rwanda will deter migrants from embarking on the dangerous journey across the Channel, citing a surge in migrant crossings in recent months.
However, human rights groups and lawmakers from various political parties have vehemently opposed the Rwanda scheme, arguing that it violates the UK’s obligations under international human rights law.
Concerns have been raised about the potential risks and implications for asylum seekers sent to Rwanda, prompting calls for further scrutiny and accountability from the government.
