UK Parliament Passes Legislation To Relocate Asylum Seekers To Rwanda

The UK parliament has greenlit a contentious bill enabling the government to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda, situated in East Africa, where their asylum applications will be considered. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has faced criticism from opposition members in Parliament and legal challenges in British courts, with activists urging him to abandon the bill on humanitarian grounds. Despite this opposition, Sunak hailed the bill’s approval, emphasizing its aim to deter risky migrations via small boats and disrupt the operations of criminal gangs profiting from such journeys. He emphasized that illegal entry would not guarantee residency in the UK.

However, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi condemned the bill, stating that refugee protection is a global responsibility and expressing concern over the shift in responsibility. Amnesty International UK labeled the bill as tarnishing the nation’s moral standing.

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According to the legislation, individuals sent to Rwanda will remain there until at least mid-July. If their asylum claims are approved, they can stay in Rwanda, but if rejected, Rwanda will not deport them to any country other than the UK.