Immigration Minister Robert Jenrick announced that individuals entering the UK through unconventional methods will be sent back to Rwanda before the upcoming general election. This decision coincides with Home Secretary James Cleverly’s visit to Kigali to finalize a treaty that will facilitate this policy.
Jenrick, who has taken an increasingly rightwing stance and hinted at his frustration with Downing Street’s perceived inaction on migration, also ramped up the rhetoric, accusing people crossing the Channel in small boats of “breaking into the country”.
The current British home secretary is the third to visit Rwanda with the goal of creating a deportation plan. He arrived this morning in the capital, Kigali, and is anticipated to approve a new treaty in place of the current memorandum of understanding. This is in response to the UK supreme court’s recent rejection of the government’s previous plans for Rwanda.
The government is currently creating legislation to address the issue of courts and declare Rwanda a safe place for those seeking asylum. This legislation could potentially be implemented as early as this week.
When questioned if he was confident that flights would depart for Kigali prior to the upcoming general election, which is scheduled for next year, Jenrick stated to Sky News: “I am certain, but there are some tasks we must complete in order to make it happen.”
I am hopeful that the treaty to be signed by the home secretary today will establish a significantly improved agreement with the Rwandan government that addresses the concerns of the supreme court.
Sky News was informed by the source that it is unacceptable for individuals to enter the United Kingdom through the use of small boats. The source also stated that if any of us were to cross an international border without proper authorization, we would anticipate facing severe consequences.
Attorneys from Britain may also be dispatched to courts in Rwanda under the agreement that would supersede the MoU, which holds no legal weight and cannot be used as evidence in a court of law.
The governments of both Rwanda and Britain have the ability to create a report in order to demonstrate that their country is a secure place for those seeking asylum, while also refuting the recent decision made by the UK supreme court.
Cleverly arrived in Rwanda after announcing a package of measures on Monday designed to cut the number of workers and their dependants legally entering the UK, making it far harder for employers to bring in overseas staff, including in the NHS and social care sector.
He introduced a five-step proposal that would increase the minimum salary requirement for a skilled worker visa to £38,700 and eliminate the policy allowing certain essential occupations to be hired at a 20% lower rate.
On Tuesday, Jenrick stated that the government is dedicated to fulfilling its promise of decreasing net migration from 672,000 to 225,000. He also affirmed, “I am dedicated and the government is dedicated to fulfilling our manifesto promise.”
During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, the speaker was questioned about the rise in the salary threshold and its impact on families’ ability to reunite based on their wealth. In response, he acknowledged the tough decisions involved in reducing net migration, stating that trade-offs must be made and difficult decisions must be faced.
Yvette Cooper, the spokesperson for home affairs from the opposition party, stated that they are willing to consider whether they would maintain the alterations made to the minimum income prerequisite if they were to gain control.
Cooper stated on BBC Radio 4 that the Migration Advisory Committee, an independent group that provides guidance to the government on migration matters, should examine the rise in numbers, specifically in regards to its potential effects on British individuals who have formed romantic relationships across national borders.
She mentioned that there is a chance for a significant rise in hasty marriages due to the modifications.
Source: theguardian.com