The Rwandan government has declined to provide a guarantee regarding the number of migrants it can accommodate from the UK if flights begin to depart.
The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, has pledged that migrants arriving in the UK without permission will be sent to Rwanda instead of being allowed to claim asylum in the UK. Approximately 52,000 individuals have arrived in the UK since the law was altered in 2023 and are awaiting deportation.
Rwanda has entered into a five-year agreement with the UK, with costs estimated to already exceed £300 million.
Last month, the prime minister’s proposal for the UK to transfer some asylum seekers to Rwanda was approved by Parliament.
Speaking on April 22, Mr. Sunak stated that the first flight to Rwanda would depart in 10 to 12 weeks. Previously, the government aimed to initiate flights in the spring. Mr. Sunak mentioned there would be multiple flights a month through the summer and beyond.
When the legislation was approved by Parliament, the Home Office indicated there were 52,000 asylum seekers who could potentially be relocated to Rwanda.
However, Rwanda’s government spokesperson, Yolande Maloko stated: “I cannot tell you how many thousands we’re taking in the first year or in the second year.”
Pressed to commit to a specific number that could be accommodated in Rwanda, Ms. Maloko stated “we are ready.”
However, she did not assure that Rwanda could accommodate all 52,000 individuals the UK aims to relocate, only stating it would be “thousands.”
Ministers have consistently stated they want the prospect of being sent to Rwanda to deter those attempting to reach the UK.vHowever, Ms. Maloko asserted that Rwanda had been “unjustly attacked.”
“Living in Rwanda is not a punishment. It is a beautiful country, including the weather,” she added.
