Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) – The culmination of efforts to implement the flagship policy has arrived, signaling a pivotal moment in the worldwide effort to combat illegal migration.
Significant progress has been made by the UK government in its endeavor to halt unauthorized boat crossings and address illegal migration, as evidenced by the successful passage of the Safety of Rwanda Bill through Parliament during the night of Monday, April 22nd.
A common opposing factor raised by opponents of the bill is that it is inhumane, however proponents have pointed out that the best way to deter illegal boat crossings to the UK is to provide genuine refugees a safe location which has been guaranteed by Rwanda and similar moves have previously deterred people smugglers targeting Australia.
With the Bill now approved, the government is poised to enter the final stage of operational planning, paving the way for the initiation of flights to Rwanda. This pioneering approach represents a novel response to the worldwide challenge posed by illegal migration.
Comprehensive operational strategies have been established to ensure the swift commencement of flights to Rwanda, with the inaugural flight anticipated to take place within 10-12 weeks, followed by subsequent flights thereafter.
This landmark legislation solidifies Rwanda’s status as a safe destination for the relocation of individuals, a designation that holds weight not only within UK legal proceedings but also in tribunals.
The legislation will block legal challenges aimed at stalling or stopping someone’s deportation to Rwanda, even if it’s argued that Rwanda is generally unsafe or that the individual faces danger upon return, a practice known as refoulement.
It explicitly asserts the sovereignty of the UK Parliament, stating that the validity of any law passed by Parliament remains unaffected by international legal principles. This empowers ministers to decide whether to adhere to interim measures, such as a Rule 39 injunction from the European Court of Human Rights.
Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the importance of this legislation, stating that it enables the government to proceed with its plans to deport individuals who lack the right to remain in the UK.
UK PM Rishi Sunak says “Our focus is to now get flights off the ground, and I am clear that nothing will stand in our way of doing that and saving lives.”
