The Immigration Minister of Britain, Robert Jenrick, has stepped down from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet due to “strong disagreements” with the government’s Rwanda policy, which involves deporting illegal migrants. Jenrick has expressed dissatisfaction with the emergency legislation presented by Home Secretary James Cleverly, stating that it did not adequately address the challenges posed by legal proceedings. In a post on X, Jenrick, formerly considered an ally of Sunak, announced his resignation, citing profound disagreements with the government’s immigration policy. He emphasized the need to prioritize national interests over contentious interpretations of international law, particularly concerning small boat crossings across the English Channel.
What is the Rwanda policy?
In April 2022, the UK government announced a five-year pilot program to send certain asylum seekers arriving in the country to Rwanda for processing. This program, intended to discourage illegal immigration, remains highly controversial.
Key Points:
Selection: Asylum seekers deemed to have entered the UK illegally after January 1st, 2022, were eligible for transfer to Rwanda, with no numerical limit.
Process: Upon arrival in Rwanda, individuals could be granted refugee status and allowed to stay. If not, they could apply for settlement on other grounds or seek asylum elsewhere.
Payment: The UK government reportedly paid Rwanda to participate in the scheme.
Delays: Despite being scheduled for June 2022, the first flight carrying asylum seekers was canceled due to legal challenges.
Current Status: The agreement remains in effect, but no asylum seekers have been sent to Rwanda to date. Legal challenges continue to pose hurdles to its implementation.
UK’s asylum treaty with Rwanda: What does it mean?
The UK government has signed a new treaty with Rwanda outlining details of their controversial asylum agreement. This agreement replaces the previous non-binding memorandum of understanding. Here are the key points:
Refugee Protection:
The treaty guarantees that individuals sent to Rwanda for asylum claims will not be at risk of “refoulement” (being sent to a country where they face persecution). A new independent monitoring committee will oversee Rwanda’s compliance with its obligations under the treaty.
Legal System:
The UK will fund British and Commonwealth judges to preside over a new appeals process in Rwanda. Also, legal fees for those sent to Rwanda will be covered by the UK.
Financial Support:
The UK government will provide accommodation and living expenses for relocated individuals for up to five years.
Return and Resettlement:
Individuals sent to Rwanda who commit crimes can be returned to the UK. Rwanda can send some of its “most vulnerable refugees” to the UK for resettlement, as stipulated in the previous agreement.
This revised treaty aims to address concerns raised by the previous agreement, particularly regarding human rights and legal safeguards. However, the agreement remains controversial and faces legal challenges.
Robert Jenrick’s resignation over Rwanda Policy
Jenrick’s resignation letter to Sunak highlighted his consistent advocacy for clear legislation to limit legal challenges to immigration policies. He criticized the proposed bill, describing it as “a triumph of hope over experience.” In response, Sunak defended the bill, asserting that it would be the toughest illegal migration legislation ever proposed by the UK government. The resignation is a significant setback for Sunak as he prepares for the 2024 general election, with the Opposition Labour Party characterizing the government as “chaotic.”
The Safety of Rwanda Bill, set to be tabled in the House of Commons, aims to conclusively designate Rwanda as a safe country, despite legal challenges. Sunak highlighted the bill’s intent to control borders, deter perilous journeys, and address continuous legal challenges. The legislation includes disapproving sections of the Human Rights Act in the case of Rwanda to prevent legal impediments.
The proposed deportation plan involves sending illegal migrants to Rwanda while their asylum claims are processed, with the expectation that it will act as a deterrent for people smugglers bringing migrants to UK shores. Cleverly’s recent visit to Kigali resulted in the signing of a new treaty with Rwandan Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vincent Biruta, reinforcing the UK’s efforts to manage the immigration issue.
(With Agency Inputs)