UK Government Passes Safety of Rwanda Bill to Tackle Illegal Migration and Stop the Boats

UK government takes major step forward in tackling illegal migration with Safety of Rwanda Bill passing through Parliament

The UK government’s efforts to stop the boats and address illegal migration have taken a significant leap forward with the passing of the Safety of Rwanda Bill through Parliament. The bill’s approval paves the way for the government to move forward with operational planning to initiate flights to Rwanda, introducing a new approach to combatting the global challenge of illegal migration.

With robust operational plans in place, the government aims to launch the first flight to Rwanda within 10 to 12 weeks, followed by multiple flights thereafter. The legislation designates Rwanda as a safe country for relocating individuals, a crucial development that will prevent legal challenges aimed at delaying or halting the removal of individuals to Rwanda on the basis of safety concerns.

Home Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the importance of the legislation in enabling the government to proceed with its Rwanda plan and begin removing individuals who are in the UK illegally. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak echoed this sentiment, highlighting the bill as a fundamental shift in the global approach to migration and a deterrent to vulnerable migrants and criminal gangs exploiting them.

The government has made significant preparations for the implementation of the Rwanda plan, including securing airfields, increasing detention spaces, training caseworkers, and organizing courtrooms to handle legal cases efficiently. The new law builds upon the UK-Rwanda Treaty and reflects changes in Rwanda since 2022, supporting the government’s broader strategy to deter illegal migration and prevent dangerous crossings.

The passing of the Safety of Rwanda Bill follows a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the lawfulness of resettling illegal migrants for asylum claims but required assurances against refoulement. The UK-Rwanda Treaty addresses these concerns by establishing safeguards to ensure individuals will not be returned to unsafe countries and enhancing Rwanda’s asylum system.

While the bill marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to combat illegal migration, it is part of a larger strategy that has already seen progress in reducing small boat arrivals and dismantling organized crime groups. Collaborative agreements with countries like Albania and organizations like Frontex have further strengthened border security measures.

The bill is now set to receive Royal Assent in the coming days, solidifying the government’s commitment to addressing illegal migration and enhancing border control measures.