Thousands of migrants set for deportation to Rwanda have lost communication with the UK Home Office as Minister McEntee drafts urgent legislation.
02 May
According to a government document, thousands of asylum seekers designated for deportation to Rwanda have lost touch with the Home Office. Out of 5,700 identified for removal, the document states that 2,145 can still be reached and detained by the Home Office. The updated document on the Home Office's website also notes potential delays in deportations due to last-minute interventions by MPs seeking to suspend removals.
This development coincides with Justice Minister Helen McEntee preparing emergency legislation for Cabinet approval. The legislation aims to enable the government to return asylum seekers traveling from the UK to Ireland. Parliamentary tradition allows removals to be put on hold until a case is reviewed and a response is provided to the MP.
The impact assessment acknowledges potential challenges due to the program's unique nature, indicating possible delays or cancellations of removals pending MP responses. This is the latest in a series of obstacles faced by the government's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, which was announced two years ago but has yet to see implementation.
A Home Office spokesperson stated that flights to Rwanda would commence within the next 10 to 12 weeks, with an initial cohort identified for removal and dedicated caseworkers prepared to handle appeals. Meanwhile, Rishi Sunak rejected the idea of accepting asylum seekers' return from Ireland, citing concerns that it could encourage migrants to cross into the Republic of Ireland. The Prime Minister echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of reciprocal agreements with the EU regarding asylum seekers crossing from France to the UK.
(0) Comment