Rwanda Refuses to Repay Britain £270 Million for Canceled Asylum Scheme
An official from Kigali’s ministry of justice stated that Rwanda will not refund the £270 million paid by the UK for the previous government’s asylum scheme. The official emphasized that Rwanda has upheld its end of the deal and any issues with the plan are considered a “UK problem.”
The statement made by Doris Uwicyeza Picard, from the country’s ministry of justice, emphasized that Rwanda is not obligated to provide a refund and that discussions will continue. She reiterated that both parties are not obligated to seek or receive a refund.
Rwanda was notified of the UK’s decision to terminate the agreement and emphasized that the partnership was initiated by the UK to address a UK problem, and Rwanda had provided safety, refuge, and opportunities to migrants as part of the deal. Rwanda has fulfilled its side of the agreement by accommodating migrants and asylum seekers.
Despite Labour’s decision to abolish the scheme, which London had already paid Rwanda £270 million for under the Migration and Economic Development Partnership, Rwanda has not deported any migrants to the country. Only four failed asylum seekers voluntarily flew to Rwanda after being offered £3,000.
Both governments had the option to pull out of the agreement, but it will only officially end three months after written notification. The agreement was supposed to last until April 13, 2027, before Labour called it off.
Rwanda works with organizations to provide opportunities to migrants from countries like Libya. The official criticized the U.N. Refugee Agency for deeming Rwanda unsafe for migrants while using the country to accommodate asylum seekers.
Labour had promised to scrap the policy, freeing up funds for a new Border Security Command involving Border Force, MI5, and the National Crime Agency to combat trafficking gangs.
The decision to abolish the Rwanda plan faced criticism from former Home Secretary James Cleverly, who sarcastically commented on social media about the implications of the decision.
