Since the UK first announced the Rwanda Scheme, other parties have voiced concerns about it. However, the UK and Rwanda have stated that they are determined to continue the project.

What is the Rwanda Scheme?

The scheme is officially known as UK and Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership and was first announced by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Its basic aim is to solve the UK's immigration problem while providing Rwanda with a boost in investment and development. The partnership was first signed by British Home Secretary Priti Patel and Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta on 13 April 2022.

Boris Johnson insisted that the scheme would help save lives and counter smugglers in the country.

The scheme will transfer illegal immigrants and asylum seekers to Rwanda. The UK has arranged a £120 million fund for economic improvement and will also provide £20,000 to £30,000 per immigrant for their relocation and integration.

British Home Secretary Priti Patel Said They Would Prepare for the Next Flight Immediately

The Rwanda Scheme was first implemented for illegal immigrants who arrived in the UK after 1 January 2022. Rwanda has placed a policy that they would not allow immigrants with criminal records or those under the age of majority to settle in the country.

The first flight was arranged for 14 June 2022 despite action from opposing organisations like Detention Action and Care4Calais. Almost 30 passengers were aboard, but repeated legal action only lowered the number to 7.

The evening of 14 June 2022 saw the European Court of Human Rights announce that it had taken an interim measure. They stated that an Iraqi passenger might encounter irreversible harm if relocated to Rwanda.

Priti Patel expressed disappointment but reaffirmed that they would immediately prepare for the next flight.

Why UK Officials Warned Government Against the Scheme

Although the government wants to push ahead, the scheme's lawfulness is challenged in the UK's High Court. The policy will be undergoing a judicial review in September, and officials have reportedly warned the government about the obstacles already.

This is because the British High Commissioner to Rwanda mentioned problems in the country in a memo in February 2021. He stated that refugees were forced to join the armed forces for action against neighbouring countries.

The UK also criticised the country for violating human rights, including torture, deaths in custody and extrajudicial killings. Another government memo stated that the deal was unenforceable.

Is the Rwanda Scheme Working?

The effectiveness of the Rwanda Scheme for the UK lies in whether the number of refugees has decreased. However, a report revealed that the Home Affairs Committee had observed a rise in crossings because of the sudden announcement.

The committee said that people traffickers were probably scaring people. The fear of the UK being inaccessible in the future has made people panic and take action quickly.

28,526 people crossed into Britain in small boats compared to 8,404 the previous year. This increase shows the scheme might not be successful as the government had hoped.

Final Thoughts

Despite opposition from various powers, the UK and Rwanda seem intent on moving forward with the scheme. Since their first attempt was thwarted because of the European Court of Human Rights intervention, it remains to be seen how they will move forward.