UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced that the UK-Rwanda migration deal is set to become operational within the next 10 to 12 weeks, with the first flight of illegal migrants from the UK heading to Rwanda.
The agreement, signed in December last year in Kigali, aims to revive the Migration and Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), which was previously deemed unlawful by the UK Supreme Court. The deal will see individuals who arrive in the UK via small boats being relocated to Rwanda where they can seek asylum.
Sunak revealed that preparations are in place for the implementation of the deal, with an airfield on standby, commercial charter planes booked, and 500 trained individuals ready to escort illegal migrants to Rwanda, with more training planned in the coming weeks.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the deal in discouraging dangerous journeys to the UK, highlighting the risks associated with small boat crossings and the need to combat criminal gangs involved in human trafficking.
Acknowledging the complexity of the operation, Sunak thanked the government of Rwanda for their cooperation and readiness to address the migration crisis. Rwanda has established mechanisms to audit the implementation of the agreement and set up an appeal institution to ensure fairness for migrants.
Sunak described the UK-Rwanda migration deal as a “genuine game changer” and assured that the first flight will depart within the specified timeframe, despite the processing time required. The government is committed to delivering the deal effectively to address the challenges posed by illegal migration.