Rwanda asylum plan facts for kids
The UK and Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership was a plan from the British government. It was also known as the Rwanda asylum plan. This plan aimed to send people seeking safety in the United Kingdom to Rwanda. These people were called asylum seekers.
The idea was for them to have their asylum claims processed in Rwanda. If their claims were approved, they would stay in Rwanda. They would not be allowed to return to the UK. The first flight for this plan was stopped by a court order in June 2022. Later, courts in the UK ruled the plan was unlawful. However, a new law was passed to try and make it legal. In 2024, the new UK government announced the plan would be cancelled.
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What Was the Rwanda Plan?
The UK and Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership was a policy announced by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. It was an immigration policy designed to move people seeking asylum from the United Kingdom to Rwanda.
The plan was signed on 13 April 2022. It was agreed by British Home Secretary Priti Patel and Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta. The plan was meant to last for five years.
Why Was the Plan Created?
The main goals of the plan were to reduce the number of people crossing the English Channel in small boats. It also aimed to help Rwanda's economy. Boris Johnson said the plan would "save countless lives."
The United Kingdom agreed to pay Rwanda a special fund of £120 million. The UK would also pay between £20,000 and £30,000 for each person moved. This money was for their travel and temporary housing. The agreement did not say how many people Rwanda would accept. Reports suggested an initial maximum of 200 people.
What Happened to People Sent to Rwanda?
When people arrived in Rwanda, they would stay in the capital city, Kigali. Their claims for asylum would be checked there. This process was expected to take up to three months.
If their asylum claim was successful, they would get permanent residency in Rwanda. They would also be offered a permanent home there. Once in Rwanda, they would not be allowed to return to the United Kingdom to seek asylum.
Who Would Rwanda Accept?
The UK said that asylum would still be decided case by case. Rwanda stated it would not accept people with criminal records. It also would not accept families or anyone under the age of majority (under 18 years old).
Why Was the Plan Challenged in Court?
The plan faced many legal challenges in the UK courts. People questioned if it was lawful to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Court Rulings and Appeals
On 19 December 2022, the High Court in the UK said the plan was lawful. However, a group of asylum seekers appealed this decision. On 29 June 2023, the Court of Appeal ruled the plan was unlawful. They said Rwanda was not a safe country for asylum seekers.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak then decided to appeal this ruling. The case went to the Supreme Court. On 15 November 2023, the Supreme Court agreed with the Court of Appeal. They found the plan unlawful. This was because Rwanda's asylum system had problems.
The Safety of Rwanda Act
After the Supreme Court ruling, the UK government made a new treaty with Rwanda. This happened on 5 December 2023. Then, on 7 December, the government introduced a new law. It was called the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024.
This law was passed on 23 April 2024. It was created to overrule the court judgments. The Act declared Rwanda a safe country for asylum purposes.
The Plan's End
After the 2024 general election, Keir Starmer and the Labour Party won. Starmer announced that the Rwanda plan would be cancelled.
See also
In Spanish: Plan Ruanda para niños
- Externalization (migration)
- Illegal Migration Bill
- Operation Sovereign Borders
