Committee Informed of Plans to Remove Over 33,000 Illegal Immigrants to Rwanda

Upon the passing of the government’s immigration bill, approximately 33,000 individuals who arrived illegally in the UK may be deported to Rwanda, as revealed to MPs by Home Office civil servants. Those who arrived via small boats or other means from a safe third country are eligible for removal to Rwanda.

Dan Hobbs, the director general of the Home Office’s Migration and Borders Group, stated that the removal pertains to individuals falling under the Illegal Migration Act 2023, specifically those arriving irregularly or illegally from a safe third country.

Sir Matthew Rycroft, the Home Office’s permanent secretary, confirmed that around 33,000 individuals had been recorded by the end of 2023. However, official figures for the first quarter of 2024 will only be available in May, leaving the exact number of individuals arriving uncertain.

Sir Matthew mentioned that government policy dictates immediate implementation of flights to Rwanda following Royal Assent and treaty ratification. Detailed plans for this process will be outlined by the home secretary and prime minister post-Royal Assent and ratification.

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As MPs and peers resumed discussions after the recess, debates surrounding the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill continued. This bill seeks to legally establish Rwanda as a safe country and supersedes the Illegal Migration Act, enabling the deportation of illegal immigrants to their home country or a safe third country.

Allocating Foreign Aid to Asylum Seekers Deemed Unsustainable

The Public Accounts Committee pressed Sir Matthew on the sustainability of using foreign aid funds designated for overseas purposes to support refugees and asylum seekers in the UK.

The senior civil servant firmly stated, “It’s absolutely not sustainable.” He highlighted the government’s decisive measures to curb illegal migration and boat crossings.

In 2023, £4.28 billion was utilized for “in-donor refugee costs,” comprising 27.9 percent of the total Official Development Assistance (ODA) for that year.

International regulations permit governments to include initial in-country costs for refugees and asylum seekers as part of ODA, covering expenses like transportation, food, shelter, and training.

Record Highs in Illegal Immigration Landings

Official figures from the Home Office displayed that 534 illegal immigrants crossed the English Channel in 10 boats on Sunday, marking the highest single-day influx so far this year.

This raised the total provisional count of illegal immigrants entering British waters via small boats to 6,265, a 28 percent increase compared to the same point last year when 4,899 individuals had arrived. It is also 7 percent higher than the tally at this juncture in 2022, which stood at 5,282.

Downing Street expressed concern over this “unacceptable” surge in migrant numbers, underscoring the necessity for Parliament to pass the Rwanda bill to serve as a crucial deterrent against illegal entry into the UK.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson remarked, “It’s an unacceptable number of people who continue to cross the Channel, which is why we must expedite this bill and utilize it as a deterrent.”

When asked about the progress in stopping boat crossings, the spokesperson noted advancements, with a 33% decline in small boats crossings compared to the previous 12 months in 2022. Collaborative efforts with Albania, France, and other nations have contributed to this reduction.

“But obviously, there is still more work to be done, and that’s precisely why passing the bill is crucial for initiating flights and reinforcing deterrence,” the spokesperson added.

PA Media contributed to this report.