UK To Pay £370 Million In Controversial Asylum Relocation Partnership With Rwanda

Why a Migration Partnership?

The MEDP, initiated in 2022, is part of the UK's strategy to address the global migration crisis and deter illegal entries via the English Channel. Asylum seekers entering the UK illegally will be relocated to Rwanda, where they can claim asylum. In return, the UK commits to supporting economic development in Rwanda by providing substantial funding and covering processing and integration costs for each relocated individual.

The Financial Commitments

The NAO report highlights that the Home Office will pay £370 million to Rwanda through the Economic Transformation and Integration Fund (ETIF). This includes fixed payments, additional sums for relocation, and ongoing support for processing and operational costs. The UK government has already paid £20 million as an advance against future costs, with an additional £8 million expected by year-end.

Controversies and Backlash

Despite the government's efforts, the migration plan has faced significant challenges. A parliamentary report deemed the plan "fundamentally incompatible" with human rights, triggering widespread criticism from human rights organizations and the UN. Legal challenges have slowed down the implementation of the scheme, but the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill is progressing through the final stages of becoming law in the UK.

International Law:

The international legal landscape on asylum seekers and refugees is primarily governed by conventions such as the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. These instruments establish the principle of non-refoulement, prohibiting the return of individuals to a country where they face persecution or serious harm.

Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights, to which the UK is a signatory, explicitly prohibits torture, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment. The recent parliamentary report's assertion that the MEDP is "fundamentally incompatible" with human rights raises concerns about potential violations under these international agreements.

The principle of non-refoulement, enshrined in international law, obliges states not to return individuals to countries where their lives or freedom would be at risk. This principle reflects a commitment to protecting those seeking asylum from persecution.

Labour's Critique

The report has intensified criticism from the Labour party, labeling the entire scheme a "national scandal." Labour argues that the costs associated with the Rwanda policy are higher than initially thought, and the party has pledged to scrap the plan if they win the next election. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper emphasizes the shocking analysis of the failed Rwanda farce and questions its value for money.