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The British government announced on Thursday that it would send migrants illegally entering its borders to Rwanda – in a bid to stem illegal immigration, which immediately drew criticism from left-wing politicians and activist groups.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a deal with the East African country, saying he would allow anyone who enters illegally, as well as any illegal immigrants who arrive after January 1, to be transported to Rwanda.
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Johnson said in a speech that the move was made possible by Britain’s departure from the European Union, which has given Britain more control over its immigration policy.
“This innovative approach, driven by our shared humanitarian impulse and made possible by the freedoms of Brexit, will provide safe and legal asylum routes, while undermining the gang’s business model, because it means that economic migrants who benefit from the asylum system will not be able to stay in the UK, “Johnson said.” While those who really need it will be properly protected, including with access to legal services, on arrival in Rwanda and given the opportunity build a new life in this dynamic country, supported by the funding we provide.
A group of people believed to be migrants were brought to Dover, Kent, aboard a Border Guard ship after a small boat accident in the English Channel on Wednesday, April 13, 2022. The British Conservative government has reached an agreement with Rwanda to send asylum seekers thousands of miles to the East African country, a move condemned by opposition politicians and refugee groups as inhumane, unfeasible and a waste of public money. (Gareth Fuller / PA via AP)
Successive British governments are fighting illegal immigration across the English Channel from France. Migrants will sneak on the backs of trucks or other vehicles crossing the canal between Calais and Dover – or on small boats through the canal itself, often organized by criminal gangs.
Johnson said seven out of 10 migrants who arrived in small boats were men under 40. Johnson said attempts to cross had passed through “apparently safe countries, including many in Europe, where they could and should have sought asylum”.
More than 28,000 entered the UK by boat in 2021, up from 8,500 in 2020. This has raised concerns about gang exploitation, similar to the way cartels have exploited the US-Mexico border crisis and the threat to migrants .
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In his speech, Johnson focused on the cost of illegal immigration for the British taxpayer, arguing that the United Kingdom is generous to immigrants, but that “we cannot maintain a parallel illegal system.”
“Our compassion may be endless, but our capacity is not,” Johnson said, adding that it was unfair to ask British taxpayers to write a “blank check” for anyone who wants to live in the UK.
The policy was immediately criticized by human rights groups, who rejected Johnson’s claim that Rwanda was a safe country. He drew criticism from the Left Labor Party, with leader Keir Starmer calling the plan “impossible” and “blackmailing” and accusing Johnson of trying to divert attention from controversy over his presence at parties during the COVID-19 blockade.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said it had made its objections known to both sides.
“UNHCR remains strongly opposed to agreements that seek to transfer refugees and asylum seekers to third countries in the absence of sufficient guarantees and standards. “Such arrangements simply transfer responsibilities for asylum, evade international obligations and run counter to the letter and spirit of the Refugee Convention,” said UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Defense Gillian Trigs in a statement.
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The Rwandan government has said the five-year agreement will force Britain to pay approximately $ 157 million for housing and other services for migrants.
Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta said the agreement “ensures that people are protected, respected and empowered to develop their own ambitions and settle permanently in Rwanda if they choose”.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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