The Rwanda Safety Bill 2023, recently greenlit by parliament, marks the UK government’s latest move to send back asylum seekers to Rwanda. This aims to reduce irregular immigration, following past attempts that were deemed unlawful.
UK’s Safety of Rwanda Bill
The UK’s Safety of Rwanda Bill is legislation proposed by the government to enhance measures related to asylum and immigration. It includes provisions aimed at deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda as part of efforts to reduce irregular immigration. The bill has been approved by parliament, signifying the government’s commitment to implementing these measures.
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Why Was the Rwanda Safety Bill Introduced?
In 2022, a plan was introduced to send back asylum seekers who entered the UK without permission, especially those using small boats from northern France. This year alone, 6,265 individuals were caught attempting this journey, adding up to over 120,500 since 2018.
However, this proposal faces obstacles due to legal issues. The government claims it aims to reduce financial strain caused by the increasing number of asylum seekers on public services and housing.
On November 15, the UK Supreme Court ruled that Rwanda isn’t a safe option for asylum seekers and refugees. They fear that sending them there could lead to persecution, based on substantial evidence.
UK Government’s Emergency Legislation and International Treaty
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to pass urgent laws to tackle the worries raised by the Supreme Court, along with a fresh international agreement that carries legal weight.
On December 4, Interior Minister James Cleverly officially inked the deal with Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta.
This pact commits to not sending individuals back to places where their safety or liberty is at risk. Additionally, it establishes a new group to review individual cases.
The government made the bill public on December 7.
Why Rwanda Safety Bill Controversial?
Human rights advocates and legal professionals worry that the new proposals could bypass laws shielding migrants from deportation and force courts to consider Rwanda as a “safe country.”
Furthermore, the law instructs courts to disregard other British laws and international agreements, like the International Refugee Convention, which prohibit deportations to the country.
Under these proposals, ministers could disregard emergency orders from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg to pause flights to Rwanda while individual cases are still under review.
Impact on Migrant Deportations and Human Rights Laws
Some firm members of Sunak’s Conservative party pushed for stronger legislation, aiming to override key human rights laws like the UK Human Rights Act, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), and international agreements including the UN refugee convention.
Their goal was to speed up migrant deportations, particularly to Rwanda, by limiting migrants’ ability to challenge deportation unless they could prove it would seriously endanger them.
This could lead to prolonged legal battles and more delays in deportation proceedings.
UK Government Announces Deportation Plans
Sunak announced on Monday that once the bill passes, the process of deporting certain individuals will begin. The first deportation flights are planned to happen within 10-12 weeks, with arrangements made for planes and staff to transport illegal migrants to Rwanda. IThese migrants will have their asylum applications reviewed, and if approved, they will be granted asylum there instead of in the UK.
However, there might be legal challenges ahead, as some campaigners or individuals facing deportation may contest the decision to send them to Rwanda. The Supreme Court expressed doubts about Rwanda’s ability to fulfill its promises in the short term, particularly regarding its asylum system’s effectiveness and its capacity to implement necessary changes.
The opposition Labour Party, expected to win the next UK general election, has promised to scrap this deportation policy if it comes into power.
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UK’s Safety of Rwanda Bill FAQs
Q.1. What is the Rwanda Safety Bill?
Ans. The Rwanda Safety Bill is legislation proposed by the UK government to deport asylum seekers, aiming to reduce irregular immigration.
Q.2. Why is the Rwanda Safety Bill controversial?
Ans. It bypasses laws protecting migrants and forces courts to consider Rwanda a “safe country,” despite concerns about persecution and violations of human rights.
Q.3. What legal challenges does the UK government face regarding deportation?
Ans. Challenges include violating international agreements like the Refugee Convention and disregarding emergency orders from the European Court of Human Rights.
Q.4. What are the implications of the bill on human rights laws?
Ans. The bill could override key human rights laws and agreements, potentially leading to prolonged legal battles and delays in deportation proceedings.
Q.5. What is the Labour Party’s stance on the deportation policy?
Ans. The Labour Party, expected to win the next UK general election, has pledged to scrap the deportation policy if it comes into power.
