UK Signs New Treaty with Rwanda for Asylum Seeker Processing
The agreement, aimed at addressing UK Supreme Court concerns, may involve stationing British lawyers in Rwandan courts.
- UK Home Secretary James Cleverly has signed a new treaty with Rwanda to send asylum seekers to the African nation for processing, following a UK Supreme Court ruling that declared the previous deportation scheme unlawful.
- The new treaty is expected to address the court's concerns, including the risk of deported refugees having their claims wrongly assessed or being returned to their country of origin to face persecution.
- British lawyers may be stationed in Rwandan courts as part of the agreement to ensure asylum appeals are correctly granted.
- Emergency legislation is also being planned to declare Rwanda a 'safe country', designed to prevent legal challenges against the planned deportation flights.
- The UK government has already paid Rwanda £140 million ($180 million) for the scheme, with further payments expected for training and additional staff costs.