This petition was submitted during the 2019-2024 parliament

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Petition Stop the government's 'one way ticket' plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda

The Government's latest plan is immoral and ignores serious human rights concerns about Rwanda. The Government needs to show leadership and work more closely with the French authorities and the EU to allow traumatised refugees to be processed with safety and dignity before they cross the Channel.

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This is a lazy and inappropriate solution to a complex problem and the Government should focus more on working with international partners to deal with the causes of asylum seeking. The Government should consider the long term damage this could do to the UKs reputation as a decent and compassionate society.

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Government responded

This response was given on 27 June 2022

The Government is committed to tackling illegal migration and breaking the business model of evil people smuggling gangs. Rwanda is safe and secure, with a track record of supporting asylum seekers.

The UK is a generous and welcoming country. There are numerous safe and legal ways for those who wish to come and live in the UK, and the Government is committed to continuing to offer safe and legal routes for refugees from across the world.

However, there is a global migration crisis. An estimated 100 million people are displaced and the current global approach to asylum and migration is broken.
The UK’s capacity to help those in need is severely compromised by those who come here illegally and who seek to jump the queue by paying people smugglers.

We continue to work closely with France, a safe country, on the shared challenge of illegal migration in the Channel and they agreed on the need to cooperate to stop people smugglers. The French and other near borders partners share our aim in preventing these dangerous and unnecessary crossings. This is a global phenomenon, and its resolution is not within the exclusive gift of any one country or administration.

The Government is clear that new and innovative solutions are required in order to tackle this problem. On 14 April, the Prime Minister announced the Migration and Economic Development Partnership between the UK and Rwanda to address the shared international challenge of illegal migration and break the business model of people smuggling gangs. Those making dangerous, unnecessary and illegal journeys to the UK may now be relocated to Rwanda, who will take responsibility for processing their claims and supporting them. The gangs use their profits for further illegal activity, including people and drug trafficking, and slavery.

All those considered for relocation will be screened and have access to legal advice. Decisions will be taken on a case-by-case basis, and nobody will be relocated if it is unsafe or inappropriate for them. Individuals will have all their needs looked after while their asylum claims are being considered in Rwanda. This includes safe and clean accommodation, food, healthcare and amenities. People are free to leave if they wish and they will not be detained; but those in genuine need of international protection will be provided with it in Rwanda.

For those whose claims are accepted in Rwanda, they will then be supported to build a new and prosperous life in one of the fastest growing economies, recognised globally for its record on welcoming and integrating migrants. They will be offered a comprehensive integration package lasting up to five years to help put down roots and start a new life there. For those individuals who are unsuccessful, they could still be allowed to stay in Rwanda if they wish, helped to return to their home country or be removed to another safe country.

This new and innovative arrangement with Rwanda fully complies with all national and international law, including the UN Refugee Convention and European Convention on Human Rights. Rwanda is a State Party to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention and the seven core UN Human Rights Conventions. The Government’s own assessment of Rwanda and their asylum process has found it is a fundamentally safe and secure country with a track record of supporting asylum seekers, including working with the UN Refugee Agency which confirmed the country has a safe and protective environment for refugees. Our Country Policy Information Note, published on 9 May on GOV.UK, provides further information on the basis by which we have determined that Rwanda is a safe place for refugees.

The Government is clear that decisive action must be taken to stop the abuse of our asylum system and tackle the scourge of the criminal gangs who play on the hopes of migrants by facilitating dangerous journeys including Channel crossings in small boats. This has devastating consequences for the countless men, women, and children who have tragically lost their lives or lost loved ones on these perilous journeys. The existence of these parallel routes is also deeply unfair as it advantages those with the means to pay people smugglers over vulnerable people who cannot. By reforming the asylum system and taking bold, international action to address the global migration crisis, we can ensure we can keep providing support and protection for those who need it, especially those most vulnerable, through proper safe and legal routes while tackling the criminality of the people smuggling networks.

Home Office

Asylum deal with Rwanda scrutinised by MPs

MPs on the Home Affairs Committee have been examining the Government's new Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda, which allows the UK to send some people to Rwanda who would otherwise claim asylum in the UK.

This Committee has explored issues including:

  • The cost and capacity of the scheme
  • Who the Government is seeking to relocate under the scheme
  • How the Government will monitor the welfare of people relocated under the scheme

MPs on the Committee have questioned the Government Minister for Justice and Tackling Illegal Migration, senior officials from the Home Office, and the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration about the Government's new partnership with Rwanda.

Find out more

On Wednesday 11 May, the Committee questioned the Minister for Justice and Tackling Illegal Migration and the Director of Asylum, Protection and Enforcement at the Home Office. Find out more about the session, or read a transcript of what was said.

On Wednesday 8 June the Committee heard from the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, who is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the UK’s immigration, asylum, nationality and customs functions. Find out more about the session, or read a transcript of what was said.

On Wednesday 22 June the Committee took evidence from senior officials from the Home Office, including Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft. Find out more about the session, or read a transcript of what was said.

On Wednesday 6 July the Committee held an evidence session focusing on the Government's plans to relocate certain asylum seekers to Rwanda. The Committee heard from refugee charities and former heads of UK Border Force and Immigration Enforcement about the implementation of the Rwanda asylum agreement . Find out more about this session.

What is an evidence session?

An evidence session is a hearing where MPs ask key experts, such as Ministers or campaigners, questions on a particular topic. These experts are called "witnesses" and they help MPs to gain a deeper understanding of the topic.

Evidence sessions inform committees when making recommendations to the Government.

What is the Home Affairs Committee?

The Home Affairs Committee is a cross-party group of MPs that looks into the work of the Home Office and its associated public bodies. Find out more about the Committee, or follow the Committee on Twitter for updates on its work.

The Home Affairs Committee is a select committee. Find out how select committees work.

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Human rights of asylum seekers in the UK investigated by parliamentary committee

A group of MPs and members of the House of Lords called the Joint Committee on Human Rights are looking into the human rights of asylum seekers in the UK.

The Committee is considering issues including:

  • Routes for asylum seekers to enter the UK
  • Relocation of asylum seekers
  • Detention, processing and treatment of detained asylum seeker
  • Legal aid, accommodation, and financial support for asylum seekers
  • Rights to work for asylum seekers
  • The legal framework for tackling modern slavery and human trafficking

Read the Committee's press notice for more information about this work and the areas the Committee will look at.

The Committee is no longer accepting written submissions to its inquiry.

Evidence sessions on rights of asylum seekers in the UK

An evidence session is a hearing where members of Committees ask key experts, such as Ministers or campaigners, questions on a particular topic. These experts are called "witnesses" and they help MPs to gain a deeper understanding of the topic.

The Joint Committee on Human Rights has so far held four evidence sessions looking at the human rights of asylum seekers. The Committee has heard from organisations that work with refugees and asylum seekers, as well as experts in the area, and representatives from local government.

You can find transcripts of all the Committee's evidence sessions to date on the Committee's inquiry page.

What happens next?

When the Committee has finished taking evidence it will consider all the evidence it has taken during its inquiry. It can publish a report of its findings with recommendations to the Government on any changes that might be needed.

For more information about the inquiry, and to stay up to date on upcoming sessions, visit the Committee's inquiry page.

What is the Joint Committee on Human Rights?

The Joint Committee on Human Rights is a cross-party group of MPs and members from the House of Lords that look into human rights within the UK. The Committee is unable to look into individual cases.

The Joint Committee on Human Rights is a select committee.

We understand that the issues raised in this work may be sensitive or upsetting and the following organisations may be able to offer support or further information:

  • Asylum Aid: free legal aid advice and representation to asylum seekers and refugees in the UK. Call 020 7354 9631 or email advice@asylumaid.org.uk
  • British Red Cross: support to refugees and asylum seekers in the UK including emergency assistance to those who are destitute, and family reunion and resettlement services. Call 0808 196 3651
  • London Destitution Service, Refugee Council: support for asylum seekers or rejected asylum seekers who are destitute, and support to vulnerable and homeless asylum seekers who have lost contact with their asylum application and have no legal representation. Call 02073466700 or email destitution@refugeecouncil.org.uk
  • Migrant Help: free 24/7 helpline providing independent advice and support to asylum seekers in the UK in your own language. Call 0808 8010 503, use Webchat or an Online Enquiry Form
  • Samaritans: for everyone, 24 hours a day, every day. Call 116 123

Get involved in the work of the UK Parliament

Sign up to the Your UK Parliament newsletter for the latest information on how to get involved and make a difference.