Sunak Claims Ireland’s Increase in Asylum Seekers Shows Effectiveness of Rwanda Policy
The prime minister responded to reports indicating that illegal immigrants were leaving the UK for Ireland in growing numbers. He mentioned that the Rwanda scheme’s ‘deterrent’ effect was already noticeable, causing concern among those considering coming to the UK. According to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the decrease in illegal immigration is evidence of the scheme’s importance.
The prime minister cited concerns raised by Ireland’s deputy prime minister, Micheal Martin, regarding the impact of the “Rwanda effect” in their country. Martin noted that the deterrent effect of the scheme had been increasing even though no flights to Rwanda had commenced yet.
Ireland Planning Emergency Returns Law
As part of the response to the situation, Irish ministers are considering emergency legislation to enable the return of asylum seekers to the UK. The decision comes after a High Court ruling in Ireland that the UK was not a “safe third country” under EU law concerning the Rwanda scheme.
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris emphasized that Ireland would not compromise its immigration policies due to other nations’ problems, stating that a new returns policy would facilitate the return of individuals to the UK.
EU Following UK’s Lead
In a recent article, Prime Minister Sunak mentioned that EU parties were recognizing the effectiveness of the Rwanda plan and were considering similar approaches. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s party proposed a UK-style asylum plan, highlighting the EU’s right to decide on asylum applications and transfer applicants to safe third countries.
Rwanda Plan ‘Not Working’
On the other hand, Labour’s shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock criticized the Rwanda scheme, stating that it failed to deter illegal immigrants, with over 7000 arrivals in the UK this year. The ongoing influx challenges the effectiveness of the plan, as highlighted by Kinnock.
Overall, the Rwanda scheme aims to declare inadmissible asylum claims for illegal immigrants in the UK and ensure their return to their home country or Rwanda, depending on safety assessments. The recently enacted Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act legally supports these measures.
