UK Begins Detaining Asylum Seekers for Removal to Rwanda Amid Protests

The UK government has started detaining asylum seekers as part of its controversial plan to deport them to Rwanda. Home Office officials carried out a series of operations across the country this week to detain migrants eligible for relocation under the government's new partnership with the east African nation. The move sparked demonstrations outside Home Office buildings by refugee advocates opposed to the policy.

A Sudanese asylum seeker was the first known case detained under the Rwanda scheme after attending a routine Home Office appointment in Croydon, London. Two other asylum seekers, an Afghan and another person, were also detained at the same immigration reporting center. The Home Office says it is now entering the final phase of operationalizing the Rwanda policy, with plans to detain more people over the next 11 weeks in preparation for the first flight to Rwanda.

The UK government says the Rwanda plan is part of its efforts to address illegal migration and break the business model of people smuggling gangs. Over 7,500 migrants have crossed the English Channel in small boats from France so far in 2024. The Home Office has increased its detention capacity to 2,200 places, trained 200 new caseworkers, and has 500 escorts ready to carry out the deportations to Rwanda.

Why this matters: The UK's forced deportation scheme to Rwanda is a major test of the government's hardline immigration policies. The plan faces strong opposition from human rights groups who argue it is inhumane and will put vulnerable asylum seekers at risk. The outcome could set a precedent for how other countries handle the global refugee crisis.

Refugee charities have reported receiving calls from "tens of people" alarmed about the detentions. The Refugee Council expressed concern that the government's actions are causing "fear, distress, and anxiety among asylum seekers." Lawyers believe migrants will be able to mount legal challenges to their deportation under the European Convention on Human Rights. The government has identified 5,700 migrants for potential removal to Rwanda, but can only easily detain just over 2,000 of them currently.

Key Takeaways

• UK detains asylum seekers for deportation to Rwanda under controversial plan.
• First Sudanese asylum seeker detained, with 2 others, at immigration center.
• UK aims to detain more migrants in next 11 weeks for Rwanda flights.
• Plan faces opposition from human rights groups, legal challenges expected.
• UK identified 5,700 migrants for Rwanda, but can only easily detain 2,000.