"LONDON -- The U.K. government plans to send some asylum seekers who enter the country illegally to Rwanda in an effort to dissuade people smuggling and respond to political and popular pressure to tackle illegal immigration.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the controversial project, which is currently being tested in the central African country, would ensure that migrants use only legal routes to settle in the U.K.
"We can't ask the British taxpayer to write a blank check to cover the costs of anyone who might want to come and live here," Mr. Johnson said Thursday.
Under the agreement, the U.K. will make an initial 120-million-pound payment, equivalent to more than $150 million, to the Rwandan government to house some immigrants, who often illegally cross into the U.K. by small boat from France or hidden in trucks. Those sent to Rwanda won't be permitted to return to the U.K.
If they are granted refugee status by Rwandan authorities, they can stay in Rwanda. If not, they could be sent home or to another country willing to accept them, the U.K. government said. The rule applies to anyone who entered the U.K. illegally since Jan 1.
Mr. Johnson warned that the plan would likely be challenged in theU.K. courts.
The plan to send unwanted asylum seekers to Africa comes amid pressure on Mr. Johnson's government to halt the flow of thousands of people who enter the country illegally each year.
On Wednesday, 600 people arrived in the U.K. after crossing the Channel from France, the U.K. government said. Many travel on rickety boats and the number is expected to swell as the weather improves.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame is credited with engineering Rwanda's economic transformation from the ruins of the 1994 genocide to one of the star economic performers on the continent. But critics and rights groups accuse his government of using state power to intimidate, jail and eliminate opponents through assassinations -- allegations the government rejects.
Rwanda said Thursday that its decision to participate in the U.K. plan reflected the country's commitment to protecting vulnerable people around the world.
Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta said Rwanda stands to benefit from the inflow of migrants. The government will guarantee the migrants equal access to employment and healthcare in addition to funding education opportunities for Rwandans, he added.
The U.K. government on Thursday said the British military will now be in charge of responding to small boats that cross the Channel from France. The government will also create special reception centers to house migrants, rather than paying for hotels. New laws will see people smugglers sentenced to life in prison.
The plan was criticized by some British lawmakers and refugee organizations. Opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer said it was "unworkable and extortionate." Others questioned whether Rwanda is a suitable destination for those potentially fleeing persecution. The U.K. government expressed concerns last year about continued "restrictions to civil and political rights" in Rwanda." [1]
Lithuania should also transport all refugees, including Ukrainians, to Africa.
1. World News: U.K. Plans to Send Some Migrants to Rwanda
Colchester, Max; Bariyo, Nicholas.
Wall Street Journal, Eastern edition; New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]. 15 Apr 2022: A.16.
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