Theresa May has criticised plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda on the grounds of “legality, practicality and efficacy”, telling MPs she fears the proposals could split up families and increase the trafficking of women and children.
The former Conservative prime minister raised questions about the new asylum policy – that will see refugees who reach the UK through illegal routes deported to Rwanda – as Home Secretary Priti Patel defended the plans.
Mrs May, who also served as home secretary overseeing the UK’s immigration policy between 2010 and 2016, asked if the trial scheme would lead to an increase in trafficking of women and children – after reports that only single men making illegal crossings to the UK would be sent to Rwanda.
Under the scheme – announced last week – people deemed to have entered the UK unlawfully will be flown to the African country, where they would be processed, and if successful, would have long-term accommodation in the African country.
The first migrants are expected to be sent to Rwanda on a chartered flight in May, however, it could be delayed with the government anticipating legal challenges against the partnership.
Under the plans, approved refugees will have to stay in Rwanda, rather than return to the UK, and those who are rejected by the Rwandan government will be deported.
“Can I say with respect to my right honourable friend that from what I have heard and seen so far of this policy, I do not support the removal to Rwanda policy on the grounds of legality, practicality and efficacy,” former home secretary Mrs May told the Commons.
“But I want to ask her about one very specific issue. I understand that those who will be removed will only be young men, that families will not be… well, the home secretary is shaking her head so I’ve obviously misunderstood the policy in that sense.
“But if it is the case that families will not be broken up, and the home secretary is nodding, does she not believe and where is her evidence that this will not simply lead to an increase in the trafficking of women and children?”
How would the Rwanda trial scheme work?
- According to a memorandum of understanding between the two governments, the UK would screen asylum seekers “without delay” after their arrival in the UK and then provide Rwanda with basic details of each person it wanted to transfer
- Rwanda would have to approve all requests before they were transferred, and the arrangement would last for five years.
- After arriving in Rwanda each asylum seeker would be given accommodation and support and would be free to come and go from their accommodation at all times, the memorandum says.
- If successfully processed the asylum seeker would be offered long-term accommodation in the African country
- Those who are not recognised as asylum seekers by Rwandan authorities will be removed to a country they have a right to reside in
- The UK would also resettle “a portion of Rwanda’s most vulnerable refugees” in the UK