The Rwandan government has refrained from providing a specific commitment regarding the number of migrants it can accommodate from the UK if deportation flights commence.
Rishi Sunak has pledged that migrants entering the UK unlawfully will be relocated to Rwanda rather than being permitted to seek asylum in the UK.
Approximately 52,000 individuals have arrived in the UK since the law was altered in 2023, making them eligible for deportation.
Under a five-year agreement with the UK, Rwanda has committed to hosting these migrants, with estimated costs already reaching at least £300 million.
The Prime Minister’s proposal for the UK to transfer certain asylum seekers to Rwanda was approved by Parliament last month.
During an appearance on 22nd April, Mr. Sunak announced that the first flight to Rwanda would depart in 10 to 12 weeks, with multiple flights scheduled each month thereafter.
According to the Home Office, Parliament sanctioned the legislation when there were 52,000 asylum seekers potentially eligible for relocation to Rwanda.
However, Rwanda’s government spokesperson Yolande Maloko, speaking on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, stated, “I cannot specify how many thousands we will accept in the first or second year.”
When questioned about Rwanda’s ability to accommodate the current backlog of individuals, Ms. Maloko remarked that it would depend on numerous factors currently under consideration.
Pressed for a commitment on the number of migrants Rwanda could accommodate, Ms. Maloko stated that they were prepared, but declined to assure that they could host all 52,000 individuals desired by the UK, merely indicating it would be “thousands.”
While ministers have emphasized the desire for relocation to Rwanda to act as a deterrent for those attempting to enter the UK, Ms. Maloko asserted that Rwanda had been unjustly criticized and clarified that residing in Rwanda is not a punishment but rather a pleasant experience.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper, appearing on the same programme, was asked about the UK government’s contingency plan. Although he did not directly respond, Mr. Harper emphasized that the government was working on a plan to commence flights within 10 to 12 weeks, coordinated by the Home Office.
Mr. Harper underscored the importance of establishing a system of deterrence through these flights to disrupt the operations of organized crime groups trafficking people across the perilous English Channel.
Labour’s Pat McFadden expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of the government’s approach. While indicating that Labour would not immediately abolish the scheme if elected, he reiterated the party’s opposition to Mr. Sunak’s policy and cast doubt on Labour’s willingness to repatriate asylum seekers.
Additionally, Ms. Maloko refuted Rwandan involvement in the bombing of a displacement camp in the Democratic Republic of Congo, disputing allegations made by the US government without adequate investigation or consultation with affected parties.
