Austria Supports Rwanda’s Strategy to Address Illegal Immigration

May 21, 2024 TruthUSA

Rishi Sunak and Karl Nehammer have jointly agreed that collaborating with third countries should be a key part of the solution to safeguard Europe from illegal immigration.

Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer has shown support for the UK’s Rwanda scheme, emphasizing the need for Europe to implement similar strategies with third countries to address illegal immigration.

During a meeting at the Chancellery in Vienna, Austria, on Tuesday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Mr. Nehammer released a joint statement asserting that governments, not criminal groups, should control who enters their countries. They highlighted the necessity for stronger measures to combat the illicit people smuggling trade.

In their joint statement, the leaders acknowledged that cooperating with designated safe third countries is a vital component in safeguarding Europe from irregular migratory pressures and deterring individuals from embarking on illicit, perilous journeys, similar to the model adopted in Rwanda.

Both Mr. Sunak and Mr. Nehammer are aware of the risks posed by actors seeking to exploit migrants to destabilize Europe. They stressed the need to enhance border security, fortify national security, and take decisive action.

The meeting follows a joint call by 15 EU nations, including Austria, for the European Commission to revamp immigration policies and explore options involving third-country collaborations.

Last month, the European Parliament endorsed the Migration and Asylum Pact as a response to the 2015 European migrant crisis, primarily involving over a million asylum seekers from Syria and Iraq entering Europe.

Europe Considers Safe Country Partnerships

Speaking from Vienna, the prime minister affirmed a commitment to intensify efforts to combat people smuggling alongside his Austrian counterpart. They emphasized the importance of seeking innovative strategies and deterrents, such as removals to safe third countries, mirroring the UK’s pioneering Rwanda scheme.

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Mr. Sunak emphasized that many countries now support this approach, recognizing the need for bold and unconventional solutions, including safe country partnerships.

Mr. Nehammer has stressed that conducting asylum procedures in safe third countries could save lives by dismantling smuggling routes—an aspect that should be a priority for the EU.

The leaders also welcomed new rules regarding Rule 39, which allow for temporary halts in the deportation of asylum seekers, as outlined by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

In March, the ECHR modified a rule to make it more challenging for illegal immigrants to manipulate the court system to delay their deportations.

The joint statement by the Austrian and British leaders underscored the need for a comprehensive evaluation of asylum and immigration cases, taking into account the effectiveness of domestic processes. They emphasized the importance of minimal intervention by the Court, except in exceptional circumstances, when addressing these cases related to asylum and immigration.

UK ‘Leading the Charge’ To Stop Illegal Immigration

Recently, the government announced additional funding to empower the National Crime Agency (NCA) in its efforts to combat illegal channel crossings. The increased funding of £25 million will enable the NCA to disrupt people smuggling activities and enhance investigative capabilities.

This funding will support the NCA with new equipment, specialist teams, and intelligence operations to suppress the small boat supply chain and strengthen cooperation with European partners. The UK has already signed an agreement with the EU’s border agency, Frontex, to collaborate on preventing illegal crossings.

Prime Minister Sunak highlighted that the UK is taking a proactive role in addressing the challenges posed by high levels of illegal migration, working closely with partners across Europe.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak meets with the chancellor of Austria, Karl Nehammer, at the Federal Chancellery in Ballhausplatz, Vienna, Austra, on May 21, 2024. (Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)

Home Secretary James Cleverly reiterated the government’s commitment to curbing illegal immigration, aiming to disrupt people smuggling operations and prevent unlawful channel crossings.

During a visit to Essex Police headquarters, Mr. Cleverly emphasized the need to thwart the activities of smugglers who have adapted to circumvent enforcement measures imposed on small boat supplies, engines, and illicit financing.

These statements come amid efforts to challenge the Rwanda plan. Legal actions have been taken to contest the policy, including rulings in Belfast and petitions filed by civil service unions, raising concerns about potential conflicts with post-Brexit agreements and the Civil Service Code.

Mr. Cleverly noted the government’s response to legal challenges, ensuring the robustness of the Safety of Rwanda Act to address legal issues raised and uphold the policy’s integrity.

Since the start of the year, close to 10,000 illegal immigrants have entered the UK through the small boat route.

PA Media contributed to this report.

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