Migrants refused UK asylum but offered thousands of pounds to move to Rwanda – report

Migrants refused asylum in the UK will be given thousands of pounds to move to Rwanda under a new “voluntary” scheme set up by the government, according to reports.

This action is independent of Government plans to send people to Rwanda The East African countries have agreed on how to handle their claims, The Times reported.

The new relocation scheme aims to deport migrants who have no legal right to stay in the UK but are unable to return to their home countries.

The Home Office has not yet confirmed payment plans but said it was “exploring voluntary relocation… to Rwanda”.

It will target individuals who do not have outstanding asylum claims and can be quickly transferred to Rwanda, which the government considers a safe third country, The Times reported.

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Immigration officials will reportedly approach migrants whose asylum claims have been unsuccessful, encouraging them to accept the money and relocate to Rwanda.

The scheme is said to be an extension of the Home Office’s existing voluntary return scheme, under which migrants will receive financial assistance of up to £3,000 to leave the UK and return to their country of origin.

Asylum seekers who refuse financial incentives to go to Rwanda will not be able to officially work in the UK or apply for benefits, The Times said.

Responding to the report, a Home Office spokesman said: “19,000 people left the UK voluntarily last year and this is an important part of our efforts to combat illegal immigration.

“We are exploring voluntary relocation to Rwanda for those who have no right to come here and Rwanda stands ready to accept those who wish to rebuild their lives but are unable to stay in the UK.

“This is in addition to our Rwanda Security Bill and Treaty which, if passed, will ensure that people who enter the UK illegally are returned to Rwanda.”

It is understood the government is confident the voluntary scheme can come into effect quickly as it will draw on existing structures outlined in the deportation agreement already in place with Rwanda and the existing voluntary return process.

However, it is reported that Rwanda’s new deal will mark the first time migrants will be paid to leave the UK without having to return to their country of origin.

it comes as prime minister Rishi SunakLegislation aimed at reviving plans to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda – the Rwanda Security (Asylum and Immigration) Bill – is back in the House of Commons.

The government will seek to overturn A series of bill amendments agreed by peers In the House of Lords.

Changes backed by the House of Lords include overturning the government’s bid to remove the courts from eviction proceedings.

The extension of the voluntary scheme raises further questions about the bill, which aims to prevent The Supreme Court ruled the scheme illegal.

Labor accused ministers of having to “pay people” to travel to Rwanda because they knew their deportation plans had “no chance of success”.

Shadow Immigration Minister Stephen Kinnock MP said: “We know from the treaty that Rwanda has very limited capacity, so ministers should now explain what this new idea means for the original conception of the scheme and they should also clarify how many people they have Would like to send on this basis and at what cost.

“There have been so many confusing briefings surrounding Rwanda policy that the public could be forgiven for viewing this latest episode with a degree of skepticism.”

The Prime Minister has previously warned the House of Lords not to thwart the “will of the people” by blocking passage of the bill, which has been approved by MPs.

The House of Commons will have an opportunity to debate and vote on the amendments on March 18.