Amid controversy over the UK’s deportation plans to Rwanda, a significant number of asylum seekers are no longer reporting to the Home Office. The government faces multiple legal and public challenges as it prepares to implement the policy.
Thousands of asylum seekers identified for deportation to Rwanda are no longer reporting to the Home Office, with only 2,143 out of the 5,700 complying with reporting requirements. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has stated that measures are in place to locate these individuals. The UK’s partnership with Rwanda, designed to transfer asylum seekers arriving via small boats across the Channel, has encountered delays due to parliamentary interventions which have the potential to suspend deportations. Despite these setbacks, the Home Office plans to proceed with flights to Rwanda in the next 10 to 12 weeks.
Concerns about the effectiveness and humanity of UK immigration policies have been voiced in a recent report by cross-party MPs. This report, based on 200 expert submissions, suggests that current policies are pushing migrants into poverty and recommends allowing asylum seekers to work after six months of arrival in the UK, alongside better access to social security and public services to prevent exploitation and reduce taxpayer burdens.
In related news, Chancellor Rishi Sunak faces criticism for attempting to detain asylum seekers for deportation to Rwanda, a plan deemed unlawful by both the European Court of Human Rights and the UK Supreme Court. This has triggered a response from activists and community members who have a history of protesting against similar measures. Civil disobedience and protest actions are anticipated as community and activist groups rally to support those at risk of deportation.
These developments present significant challenges for the UK government concerning its immigration and asylum policies, with various stakeholders expressing their dissatisfaction and concerns through different channels.
