LONDON, United Kingdom, May 1, 2024 – The UK Home Office has announced a major step forward in its plan to relocate individuals who have entered the country illegally. Operational teams have been working swiftly and safely to detain individuals for relocation to Rwanda, with more activity planned in the coming weeks.
This action forms a key part of the plan to deliver flights to Rwanda in the next 9 to 11 weeks. It is a significant milestone in the government’s wider plan to stop small boat crossings, which were reduced by more than a third in 2023.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said, “Our Rwanda Partnership is a pioneering response to the global challenge of illegal migration, and we have worked tirelessly to introduce new, robust legislation to deliver it. Our dedicated enforcement teams are working at pace to swiftly detain those who have no right to be here so we can get flights off the ground.”
The Home Office has increased detention capacity to more than 2,200 spaces, trained 200 new caseworkers to quickly process claims, and has 500 highly trained escorts ready. Commercial charters have been booked and an airport has been put on standby.
Rwanda has a strong track record in resettling people, hosting more than 135,000 refugees, and stands ready to accept thousands more who cannot stay in the UK. The country offers asylum seekers a chance to build new and prosperous lives with accommodation, education, training, and employment.
The government’s Safety of Rwanda Act and internationally binding treaty reaffirm and ensure the safety of Rwanda and this policy. The treaty responds directly to the Supreme Court’s findings in December, by strengthening Rwanda’s asylum system to ensure no one will be returned to an unsafe country after relocation.
Home Office Director of Enforcement Eddy Montgomery said, “Our specialist operational teams are highly trained and fully equipped to carry out the necessary enforcement activity at pace and in the safest way possible.”
The Rwanda policy aims to deter migrants from making perilous journeys across the channel by showing clearly that, if you come here illegally, you cannot stay. This is a complex piece of work, but the UK government remains committed to operationalising the policy, to stop the boats and break the business model of people smuggling gangs.
