UK Initiates Detention of Migrants for Deportation to Rwanda Under New Immigration Law
Griffith Sarah
May 1, 2024
British authorities have commenced the detention of migrants, setting the stage for their deportation to Rwanda in the upcoming weeks. This move is part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's central immigration strategy, designed to address the influx of asylum seekers arriving by unauthorized routes.
In April, the UK Parliament passed legislation facilitating the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, with the first deportation flights anticipated to launch in July. This year alone, over 7,500 migrants have reached England via small boats from France. The government argues that this policy will curb the perilous journeys across the English Channel, which have already claimed five lives last week.
However, the policy faces staunch opposition from human rights organizations and labor unions, who are gearing up to challenge the legality of the deportation flights. This follows a ruling by the UK Supreme Court last year, which deemed the policy unlawful.
Recent images from Britain's Home Office depict the enforcement action, showing a man being escorted into a van and another being handcuffed at his residence. Interior Minister James Cleverly stated,
"Our dedicated enforcement teams are working diligently to detain those without legal residency rights promptly to facilitate the departure of flights."
Despite the government's firm stance, the initiation of detentions has sparked significant anxiety among the migrant community. Care4Calais, a refugee charity, reported that the detentions began on Monday, with their helpline receiving numerous calls from concerned individuals unclear about their status regarding the first deportation flight.
Adding to the complexities, Britain reportedly deported its first asylum seeker to Rwanda under a voluntary scheme, according to The Sun newspaper, a program separate from the ongoing deportation policy.
"People are very frightened," expressed Natasha Tsangarides, Associate Director of Advocacy at Freedom from Torture.
Tsangarides highlighted the fear permeating the migrant community, which could drive some to evade authorities and disconnect from available support networks.
As the UK pushes forward with this controversial policy, it remains to be seen how the impending legal challenges and the community's response will shape its implementation and impact.
