Rwanda asylum plan
The UK and Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership, also known as the Rwanda Asylum Deal, was an immigration policy proposed by the governments of Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak in which people whom the United Kingdom saw as illegal immigrants or asylum seekers would have been relocated to Rwanda for processing, asylum and resettlement.
A ruling by the European Court of Human Rights led to the plan being stopped until the end of the legal action in the UK. At the end of 2022, the High Court ruled that the plan was lawful.[1] The Court of Appeal ruled on 29 June 2023 that the plan was unlawful.[2] The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 overruled the courts' judgments and declared Rwanda a safe country.
After Keir Starmer and the Labour Party won the 2024 general election, Starmer announced that the Rwanda plan would be cancelled.
Rwanda Asylum Plan Media
- Home Secretary James Cleverly visits Rwanda on 5 December 2023 - 3.jpg
UK Home Secretary James Cleverly with Rwandan Foreign Secretary Vincent Biruta in December 2023, after signing a new treaty related to the asylum plan.
- Suburban Sprawl in Kigali.jpg
Kigali, Rwanda's capital, where asylum seekers would have been relocated.
- Rishi Sunak holds a press conference on the Rwanda asylum plan, 22 April 2024.jpg
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak holds a press conference on the Rwanda asylum plan, 22 April 2024
- Minister for Countering Illegal Migration Michael Tomlinson during the signing of the Safety of Rwanda Bill, 22.4.2024 - 8.jpg
Minister for Countering Illegal Migration Michael Tomlinson during the signing of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill.
- Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arrives at Number 10 Downing St (53836916571).jpg
Keir Starmer announced the cancellation of the scheme shortly after becoming prime minister in July 2024.
- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets Rwandan President Kagame (52870735268).jpg
Sunak meeting Paul Kagame outside 10 Downing Street in May 2023.
References
- ↑ Doherty, Caitlin; Crowther, Zoe (19 Dec 2022). "Home Office Rwanda deportation policy is legal, court rules". Civil Service World. Archived from the original on 10 January 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2023.
- ↑ "Supreme Court rules Rwanda asylum policy unlawful". BBC News. 2023-11-15. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-67423745. Retrieved 2023-11-15.
