British authorities have initiated the detention of migrants slated for deportation to Rwanda within the next nine to 11 weeks, announced the government on Wednesday, marking a significant step in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s immigration strategy.
The Parliament passed legislation in April to facilitate the transfer of asylum seekers to Rwanda if they entered Britain without authorization.
Sunak aims for the inaugural flights to depart in July, citing a need to deter individuals from undertaking perilous journeys across the Channel, where five fatalities occurred last week among migrants attempting the crossing.
Despite opposition from human rights organizations and labor unions, which previously succeeded in challenging the policy’s legality in the UK Supreme Court, the government remains steadfast in its implementation.
Footage released by the UK’s Home Office depicts migrants being detained by immigration enforcement personnel, underscoring the operational momentum. Interior Minister James Cleverly affirmed the swift actions of enforcement teams to apprehend those deemed ineligible for residency.
Reports from Care4Calais, a refugee charity, indicate that detentions commenced on Monday, prompting concerns among affected individuals about the uncertainty surrounding deportation schedules.
Natasha Tsangarides, Associate Director of Advocacy at Freedom from Torture, highlighted the pervasive fear among migrants facing detention and potential deportation, warning of the psychological toll and likelihood of individuals resorting to evasive measures.
The deployment of Britain’s first asylum seeker to Rwanda under a voluntary initiative, as reported by The Sun Newspaper, stands as a separate development from the formal deportation policy, yet underscores the government’s multifaceted approach to immigration management.
