The Rwanda Policy in the UK dates back to the tenure of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who initiated the plan to curb the inflow of criminal smugglers who endure a dangerous journey in small boats to enter the country, with greater importance laid on the regulation policy of illegal immigrants to the country. The arrangement with eastern African Rwanda will last until 2027 on a “trial” basis, with their claims being assessed there once relocated. The policy entails in itself a premise that once relocated to Rwanda, they will be unable to return to the UK and will be relocated back to their origin if their asylum has been refused.
The current crisis, namely faced by the influx of large numbers of Immigrants into the European Union States as well as in the United Kingdom raises concerns regarding the lives and rights of the various refugees and asylum seekers in the World. Marked by the latest development, ‘the Rwanda Plan’ the legislation passed in the British Parliament that deports the migrants to Rwanda by an agreement with the UK government, where their claims would be processed and given asylum. This move comes after the Supreme Court’s order in 2023, stating the plan is ‘unlawful’ as Rwanda has been found unsafe, making the refugees vulnerable to ill-treatment, violence, and threat, going against the International Law Obligations that the UK is bound by. The December 2023 Bill titled, the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill declares Rwanda as a safe country for the refugees to be relocated to in response to the decision of the Court.
Post the agreement between Rwanda and the United Kingdom in 2022 regarding provisions for hosting the refugees, The Human Rights Watch wrote to the UK Home Secretary regarding the Human Rights violations in Rwanda and that it cannot be deemed a ‘safe third country’ for the refugees. Additionally, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees also conveyed through evidence, the lack of systems and laws that govern the people. Referring to their ‘Refoulement’ (facing persecution), the court substantiated his remarks indicating that Rwanda lacked the practical ability to install safeguards or protections for the same.
This move by the UK highlights the international growing concern regarding the life of the refugees as this measure of security can invalidate all protection to be owed to such asylum seekers. This paradox highlights the need for countries to be watchful of their obligations under international law while being mindful of municipal powers and jurisdiction. Additionally, the New System of Migration allows for more liberalization in the rules for students and workers in the UK as compared to the tightening in the EU threshold.
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