Detained for Deportation
Migrants seeking asylum in the UK will now be detained in surprise swoops as they attend meetings at UK Immigration Service offices, awaiting deportation flights to Rwanda. The Home Office has confirmed that individuals will be held "at some stage" as part of operational activities.
Rwanda Deportation Flights
Following approval from MPs for deportation flights to Rwanda, the UK government has made preparations with 2,200 detention centre spaces, 25 courts, and 150 judges available for deportation appeals. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claims the Rwanda plan has already deterred Channel migrants, leading some to seek solace in Ireland.
Ireland's Response
In response to the influx of migrants crossing into Ireland, the country is drafting emergency legislation to return them to the UK. Irish officials have emphasized that they will not serve as a loophole for migration challenges and are set to discuss the issue with Home Secretary James Cleverly.
Operational Focus
Amidst discussions with Ireland, a UK government source stated that asylum returns from the EU via Ireland will not be accepted until the EU agrees to accept returns to France. The focus remains on operationalizing the Rwanda deportation scheme without interruptions.
