On Tuesday, three asylum seekers who had initiated legal proceedings to prevent their deportation to Rwanda by the UK saw their cases resolved, following the incoming Labour government's decision to abandon the policy.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared on Saturday that the migrant deportation plan, which was established by the previous Conservative government, was 'dead and buried'. Prior to this, the UK Supreme Court had already deemed the scheme illegal under international law in November last year, stating that Rwanda was not a safe destination for asylum seekers.
Government lawyer James Eadie informed the High Court in London on Tuesday that the cases of the three claimants would be fully disposed of and withdrawn, with the interior ministry covering their costs.
The Labour Party had pledged to scrap the scheme before the general election last Thursday, a policy which the Conservatives believed would deter a significant number of migrants attempting to cross the Channel from northern France to the UK via small boats. According to an AFP tally of official figures, 65 people arrived on Monday, marking the first arrivals under the new government, bringing the total number of arrivals this year to 13,639.
Rwanda, a country in Africa's Great Lakes region with a population of 13 million, asserts its status as one of the continent's most stable nations, garnering praise for its modern infrastructure. However, rights groups criticize President Paul Kagame for ruling in an environment that suppresses dissent and free speech.
A government spokesperson for Rwanda stated on Monday that they 'take note of the UK government's intention to terminate the Migration and Economic Development Partnership Agreement'. Under this agreement, the UK has already transferred £240 million to Rwanda, with an additional £50 million scheduled for later. President Kagame clarified in January that the funds would only be utilized if the migrants arrived, otherwise, they could be returned, though he later noted there was no obligation to do so.
