The United Kingdom’s Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and former UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, have both applauded a high court decision ruling that the removal of unlawful migrants from the United Kingdom and transfer to Rwanda for processing is permissible.Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson praise court verdict on Rwanda migrant plan
“I welcome the ruling of the court today. We’ve always maintained that our Rwanda policy is valid, and I’m happy that was reinforced today and this is only one component of our approach to curb unlawful migration. Last week, I outlined a thorough strategy for preventing boats from entering the UK. “It’s not going to be easy, and we won’t be able to achieve it overnight,” Sunak told the UK media.
He added that, “I’m confident that with the steps I laid out last week, we really can get to grips with illegal migration, because I think what we all want to see, and what I want to deliver, is a system whereby if you come to the UK illegally, you will not have the right to stay and we will be able to return you to your own country if it’s safe or a safe alternative like Rwanda. That’s the common sense position, I think, of the vast majority of the British public. It’s my position, and that’s what I want to deliver as prime minister.”
Also, Boris Johnson said that his country’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is one of the only humane ways of dealing with the trafficking gangs who are exploiting many people.
He made the statement on Monday after the European country’s High Court ruled that the deal is lawful and “consistent with the refugee convention”.
“It is welcome news that the High Court has ruled that the Rwanda policy is lawful. It is one of the only humane ways of dealing with the vile people trafficking gangs who are exploiting so many people,” Johnson posted via his official Twitter handle.
Rwanda and the UK inked the “Migration and Economic Development Partnership” back in April this year, to allow migrants and asylum seekers who are illegally in the UK to be transferred to Rwanda.
A first of its kind in the world, the deal seeks to promote “the dignity and empowerment of migrants”, according to the officials from both countries.
The Migration and Economic Development Partnership concerns all the migrants and asylum seekers who arrived in the UK illegally from January 1, 2022.
Those who will benefit from the programme will have the option of applying for asylum locally and be facilitated to resettle in Rwanda or to be facilitated to return to their home country, having received support through the programme.
Reacting to the High Court’s verdict, Suella Braverman, UK’s Home Secretary said her country’s government firmly believes that the ground-breaking migration partnership with Rwanda “will provide individuals relocated with support to build new lives while disrupting the business model of the smuggling gangs who put lives at risk.”
She added: “The UK has always maintained that this policy is lawful and today the Court upheld this. We are committed to making this Partnership work and are focused on moving ahead with the policy as soon as possible and we stand ready to defend against any further legal challenge.”
The UK will support the program, with an initial investment of £120 million, which will provide invaluable opportunities for migrants and Rwandans alike.
Secondary credentials, vocational and skills training, language lessons, and further education are all included. The UK will also provide assistance with housing prior to local integration and resettlement.
They will be entitled to full protection under Rwandan law, equal access to employment, and enrollment in healthcare and social care programs, according to the agreement.
