The United Kingdom has initiated the detention of migrants as part of preparations to deport them to Rwanda within the next nine to 11 weeks, according to government officials. This move marks the implementation of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration policy, which aims to deter asylum seekers who arrive in Britain without permission.

The law enabling the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda was approved by parliament in April, with plans for the first deportation flights to commence in July. The UK government has cited the increasing number of migrants arriving in England via small boats from France, with over 7,500 arrivals recorded so far this year. The policy is intended to discourage people from making dangerous journeys across the English Channel, where several fatalities have occurred.

However, human rights charities and unions opposed to the policy are expected to launch legal challenges to prevent the deportation flights from proceeding, following a previous ruling by the UK Supreme Court that declared the policy unlawful.

Images released by the interior ministry showed migrants being detained by immigration enforcement officials, sparking concerns and criticisms from refugee charities. Care4Calais, a refugee charity, reported receiving calls from numerous individuals expressing fear and uncertainty about the deportation process.

Natasha Tsangarides from the charity Freedom from Torture highlighted the anxiety and fear among migrants facing deportation, warning that such policies could push individuals underground and disrupt their support systems.

The UK’s decision to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda also comes alongside a separate voluntary scheme sending asylum seekers to the country, as reported by The Sun Newspaper.

Sources By Agencies