The UK and Rwanda have formed an economic development partnership to tackle shared migration challenges. The Government believes this collaboration could signal a new age of international effort against illegal immigration and human trafficking.
The Government has announced new plans to tackle illegal immigration through an international partnership with Rwanda. Signed by the British Home Secretary, Priti Patel and the Rwandan Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Vincent Biruta.
When questioned about the new agreement, the Refugees Minister, Lord Harrington has declined to comment on the new deal. Just last week, Harrington denied that Britain would send asylum seekers to Rwanda.
MOD takes over channel patrol:
Under the new partnership, migrants attempting to enter the country illegally will have their asylum claim processed in Rwanda. Those migrants who have their claims accepted by the Rwandan Government will then be supported to build a new life within Rwanda’s borders.
Despite widespread criticism of the human rights system in Rwanda, the UK Government is keen to stress that Rwanda has an international reputation for its “record in welcoming and integrating migrants” and is also one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
Alongside this action – aimed to target the £155 million global industry of human trafficking – the military will now take command in responding to small boats in the channel with Border Force UK.
The Government is also investing £50 million in aerial surveillance and employing expert military personnel.
For Rwanda, they will receive £120 million investment from their British partners in the new deal.
The Government has allocated this investment for the delivery of asylum operations, accommodation and integration.
Commenting on the agreement, Ms Patel said: “This government is delivering the first comprehensive overhaul of the asylum system in decades. At the heart of this approach is fairness.
Access to the UK’s asylum system must be based on need, not on the ability to pay people smugglers. The demands on the current system, the cost to the taxpayer, and the flagrant abuses are increasing. The British public have rightly had enough”.
Profound concern:
The Government’s announcement of the world’s first migration partnership has gained criticism from political opponents and civil society concerned at the humanitarian impact of the new deal.
British Red Cross Executive Director, Zoe Abrams said they were “profoundly concerned” about the scheme and that “the financial and human cost will be considerable”.
At a speech in Kent, the Prime Minister welcomed the news: “the quid pro quo for this generosity, is that we cannot sustain a parallel illegal system. Our compassion may be infinite, but our capacity to help people is not”.
To read the Prime Minister’s full speech, see here.
Photo credit: Ggia