The UK Government has struck a deal with Rwanda to send some asylum-seekers who cross the Channel to the UK to the African country.
Under the proposal, Rwanda would take responsibility for the people, put them through an asylum process, and at the end of that process, if they are successful, they will have long-term accommodation in Rwanda, reported bbc.com.
According to the UK Home Office, this will tackle illegal migration, control the country’s borders and crack down on the criminal gangs exploiting the international crisis.
The agreement dubbed the Migration and Economic Development Partnership was signed by the UK Home Secretary, Priti Patel, and Rwandan Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-Operation, Vincent Biruta. The UK Home Office said:
This will see migrants who make dangerous or illegal journeys, such as by small boat or hidden in lorries, have their asylum claim processed in Rwanda.
Those whose claims are accepted will then be supported to build a new and prosperous life in one of the fastest-growing economies, recognised globally for its record of welcoming and integrating migrants.
Under this Partnership, the UK is investing £120 million into the economic development and growth of Rwanda.
Funding will also be provided to support the delivery of asylum operations, accommodation and integration, similar to the costs incurred in the UK for these services.
Home Secretary Priti Patel travelled to the Rwandan capital Kigali to sign the deal. She said:
Today we have signed a world-leading Migration Partnership with Rwanda which can see those arriving dangerously, illegally or unnecessarily into the UK relocated to have their claims for asylum considered and, if recognised as refugees, to build their lives there.
This will help break the people smugglers’ business model and prevent loss of life while ensuring protection for the genuinely vulnerable.
Rwandan Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Vincent Biruta said:
Rwanda is committed to international cooperation and partnership on migration, in particular the opportunities that a robust protection system as well as a comprehensive human capital investment program can create, for migrants and for the development of the host country.
There is a global responsibility to prioritise the safety and well-being of migrants, and Rwanda welcomes this Partnership with the United Kingdom to host asylum seekers and migrants and offer them legal pathways to residence.
This is about ensuring that people are protected, respected, and empowered to further their own ambitions and settle permanently in Rwanda if they choose.