The Planned Deportation Flight to Rwanda: An Update on the Controversial Issue
February 24 has been earmarked as the date the Government plan to deport Channel migrants to Rwanda. A plane carrying asylum seekers will depart for the Rwandan capital Kigali.
In the ongoing debate surrounding the deportation of asylum seekers who have reached the UK, a significant development has emerged.
February 24th has been earmarked as the potential departure date for the first deportation flight to Rwanda, destined for the capital city of Kigali.
However, the success of this controversial operation hinges on the support of Britain’s top judges, who are currently reviewing the government’s plan to send asylum seekers to the East African nation
This is not the first time such a deportation flight has been planned. Sixteen months ago, a chartered Boeing 767 was loaded with would-be refugees at Boscombe Down, Wilts, ready for take-off.
However, the flight was grounded at the last minute due to a ruling by a European judge that prohibited its departure.
This setback led to a bitter legal battle between campaigners, charities, and the government, with the latter viewing the deportation policy as a crucial element of their strategy to reduce the number of migrants arriving in the UK via small boats crossing the Channel.
The final verdict on the deportation flight rests with the Supreme Court, which is expected to deliver its decision by mid-December.
While the judges deliberate, civil servants have been instructed to prepare for the potential departure on February 24th.
The government’s £140 million deal with Rwanda outlines a plan to send some migrants to Kigali, where they will be given the opportunity to claim asylum instead of pursuing their case in the UK.
Proponents of this controversial scheme hope that it will act as a deterrent, dissuading individuals from embarking on the perilous journey across the Strait of Dover.
The growing unrest regarding the increase in Channel migrants has seen marches around the country including in Skegness.
Skegness has suffered deeply with the growing number of Channel migrants being housed in hotels. Local businesses have suffered with fewer tourists visiting the area due to the number of hotels being used to house them and negative reports in the press.
Read: Skegness business owners worried about the mirgant problem
The Lincolnshire seaside resort was once popular with people visiting the area near and far for a holiday including Cleethorpes, Boston, Lincoln, Manchester, Liverpool, and London. But this year the Channel migrant crisis has hit local businesses hard in the pocket.
It is hoped the latest attempt to deport Channel migrants will have a positive impact and act as a deterrent on more migrants crossing the dangerous waters into the UK. However, even though the Government are pressing ahead with the Rwanda flights, many believe they will not happen.
The deportation plan carries significant political and humanitarian implications. This year, 26,168 migrants have arrived in the UK via 552 small boats, marking a 30% decrease compared to the 37,603 arrivals during the same period last year.
The number of migrants successfully crossing the Channel reached a record high in 2022, with 45,756 individuals making the journey, compared to 28,526 in 2021 and 8,404 in 2020. These statistics highlight the urgency to address the issue of illegal migration and find effective solutions.
According to Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick, the government’s plan to reduce illegal migration is showing signs of progress.
Jenrick stated that there has been a substantial reduction in the number of small boat crossings this year compared to the previous year, attributing this success to the plan implemented by the government a year ago. However, he acknowledged that there is still a long way to go and that much depends on the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Rwanda policy.
