British authorities have initiated the detention of migrants in preparation for their potential deportation to Rwanda within the next nine to 11 weeks, announced the Government on Wednesday, setting the stage for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s flagship Immigration policy.
Following parliamentary approval of a law in April to facilitate the deportation of asylum seekers to Rwanda if they entered Britain without permission, Sunak aims for the inaugural flights to commence in July. With over 7,500 migrants having arrived in England on small boats from France this year, the government argues that the policy will discourage individuals from undertaking perilous Channel crossings, after five fatalities were recorded last week.
Despite the UK Supreme Court ruling the policy unlawful last year, Human rights charities and unions opposing the measure are expected to mount new legal challenges to halt the deportation flights.
Images released by Britain’s Interior ministry on Wednesday depict immigration enforcement officials detaining individuals, indicating swift action to remove those deemed ineligible to remain in the country.
In response, Care4Calais, a refugee charity, reported that detentions began on Monday, with their helpline inundated with calls from concerned individuals. Details regarding the first deportation flight and its targeted passengers remain uncertain.
