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The United Nations called on Britain to reconsider its plan to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda, stating that it would threaten the rule of law and set a ‘dangerous precedent in the world.’
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Rishi Sunak, the British PM, announced that he expects the first flights to Rwanda to take off within ten to twelve weeks of approval.
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The UK received more than 67,000 asylum applications in 2023, with over 45,000 people crossing into Britain via the English Channel in 2022—an unprecedented number.
King Charles of Britain has given his approval to the crucial legislation supporting Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s proposal to relocate asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Royal approval is the final stage in the legislative process and signifies approval of the decision made by Parliament to pass the draft law after a prolonged battle between the government and opponents of the plan.
Royal Assent was announced in the House of Lords, marking the Rwanda Safety (Asylum and Immigration) Bill as law.
The new law is considered one of the main projects of the conservative government in its effort to curb illegal immigration. Sunak also announced that he expects the first flights to Rwanda to take off within ten to twelve weeks of approval.
While recourse to the judiciary is expected, the UK prime minister confirmed at the beginning of the week that planes heading to Rwanda ‘will take off no matter what.’
The United Nations called on Britain to reconsider its plan, stating that it would threaten the rule of law and set a ‘dangerous precedent in the world.’
The Rwandan government, for its part, praised the adoption of the plan, emphasizing its anticipation of ‘receiving those who will be resettled’ in its territory.
According to a parliamentary report, the United Kingdom received more than 67,000 asylum applications in 2023, with over 45,000 people crossing into Britain via the English Channel in 2022—an unprecedented number. However, the number of migrants decreased to around 30,000 in 2023 but has increased by 20% since the beginning of 2024.
