By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Detention begins: UK prepares to deport migrants to Rwanda.
British authorities have initiated the detention of migrants as part of their plan to relocate them to Rwanda within the next nine to 11 weeks. This move, announced on Wednesday, marks a significant step in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy.
In April, Parliament approved legislation to facilitate the transfer of asylum seekers to Rwanda if they entered Britain without authorization. Sunak aims for the inaugural flights to depart in July.
With over 7,500 migrants arriving in England via small boats from France this year, the government believes this policy will discourage risky Channel crossings. Tragically, five people lost their lives attempting the journey last week.
Opposition to the policy is expected from human rights organizations and unions, with renewed legal challenges anticipated to prevent the flights from proceeding.
Photographs shared by the UK’s interior ministry depict individuals being detained by immigration enforcement officials, highlighting the swift implementation of these measures.
“Our dedicated enforcement teams are working diligently to promptly apprehend those without lawful status so that we can expedite the departure of flights,” remarked Interior Minister James Cleverly in a statement on Wednesday.
Reports from Care4Calais, a refugee charity, confirm that detentions began on Monday, with concerns raised by individuals reaching out to their helpline. Details regarding who will be selected for the initial deportation flight and its timing remain undisclosed.
According to The Sun Newspaper, Britain has already initiated its first asylum seeker relocation to Rwanda under a voluntary program, distinct from the deportation policy.
Natasha Tsangarides, Associate Director of Advocacy at Freedom from Torture, highlighted the widespread fear among migrants, suggesting that apprehensions about detention and relocation to Rwanda may drive some individuals to evade authorities and sever ties with support networks.
Deportation Begins, Immigration Strategy