Proposal Aims to Clear Backlog and Extend Voluntary Return Scheme….

The United Kingdom’s government is deliberating on a plan to provide financial incentives of up to £3,000 ($3,840) to asylum seekers whose applications have been denied, encouraging them to relocate to Rwanda.

This initiative, part of a collaborative effort with Rwanda, seeks to address the significant backlog of tens of thousands of rejected asylum seekers who are unable to return to their home countries due to safety concerns.

Unlike the previously controversial “Rwanda bill,” which faced legal challenges and was deemed unlawful by the UK Supreme Court, this proposal focuses on voluntary relocation.

Under the extended voluntary return scheme, individuals would receive financial assistance to establish themselves in Rwanda, a country deemed safe by the UK government despite concerns raised by human rights organizations regarding political oppression.

The Home Office confirmed that the scheme aims to facilitate voluntary relocations for individuals without a legal right to remain in the UK. Kevin Hollinrake, a junior business minister, defended the allocation of public funds for the initiative, emphasizing the significant costs associated with maintaining failed asylum seekers in the UK.

The proposed scheme coincides with legislative efforts to designate Rwanda as a “safe country” for asylum seekers, aiming to circumvent legal challenges faced by previous deportation plans. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s government is pushing for swift implementation, with deportation flights expected to commence in the coming months, ahead of anticipated national elections later this year.

Despite assurances from the UK government regarding Rwanda’s capacity to accommodate asylum seekers, concerns persist regarding the suitability of the relocation destination. Nonetheless, the proposed scheme represents a novel approach to addressing the complex challenges of asylum and immigration policy in the UK.

Credit: Al Jazeera