The cost of deporting those seeking asylum has long been a contentious issue, and the UK government's most recent report has revived the argument. The UK estimates that it will cost £169,000 to deport each asylum claimant to Rwanda, according to the study. 

This startling statistic has brought the government's ambitious strategy to light and raised questions about its potential effects. Though the Rwanda Scheme had been declared legal, this could raise serious questions.

What is the Rwanda Scheme? 

The Rwanda Plan refers to a suggested strategy by the UK government to deal with irregular migration by holding and expelling those who enter the country illegally. 

The Rwanda plan seeks to establish a mechanism whereby people who enter the UK without the appropriate papers are promptly expelled from the nation. The government wants to send these people to Rwanda or possibly another third country rather than allowing them to stay in the UK while their asylum requests are being processed.

Cost of Deportation and Criticism of it

As per the government's impact assessment, the anticipated cost of transferring a single asylum seeker to Rwanda is close to £170,000.

This cost covers a range of things, including travel, administrative costs, and lodging in the Central African nation. The fact that this fee will only apply to people who enter the UK illegally adds to the debate over the planned plan.

The idea of returning asylum seekers to the country has drawn harsh criticism on a number of fronts. Human rights organisations claim that the plan raises major questions regarding possible violations of international law, including the Refugee Council and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 

The director of the Refugee Council, Enver Solomon, claims that the evaluation does not accurately examine the costs and effects of the suggested legislation. Solomon claims that if the bill is passed, it may prevent thousands of refugees from receiving the protection to which they are legally entitled.

Concerns about how the plan will affect the treatment of asylum seekers are also raised by critics. Deportations to Rwanda that have been suggested have received widespread condemnation for being unsafe and inhumane, especially for vulnerable populations like women and children.

The study also acknowledges that it is difficult to predict how much deterrence the bill will have. The general agreement among academics is that changing policies on their own has little effect on preventing people from emigrating. Critics contend that more effective strategies would involve facilitating access to legal options and ensuring that asylum seekers have enough support.

Conclusion

Deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda is expected to cost the UK £169,000 per person, which has prompted a lot of discussion and controversy. The planned scheme is highly debatable, as evidenced by worries about everything from excessive costs to possible violations of international law.

FAQS

Does the Rwandan plan face legal issues?

Yes, there have been legal challenges, and the court of appeal is due to rule on whether it is permissible to send women and children who are seeking refuge to Rwanda.

Why are there concerns about transparency and accountability?

Concerns about accountability and the possibility of exploitation inside the programme are raised by the agreements with the Rwandan government's lack of transparency, which includes undeclared payments.