Expulsions in Rwanda: a first asylum seeker arrives in Kigali

A failed asylum seeker in the UK has arrived in Rwanda voluntarily, an official said.

The man, whose nationality has not been revealed, did not arrive as part of the controversial deal to deport migrants who enter the UK illegally to Rwanda , said Alain Mukuralinda, spokesperson. government deputy speaker, to the Associated Press on Wednesday.

“We received him yesterday and we are taking care of him ,” he said. “In a few days, the asylum seeker will tell us his wish to stay in Rwanda or go elsewhere.”

Rwandan authorities will assess his status and make a decision accordingly.

Last week, the British Parliament approved a law allowing deportations to Rwanda, despite criticism from human rights groups who say the plan is inhumane and illegal.

Although no flights have yet taken place under the policy, the British government said on Wednesday that it had rounded up the first group of migrants it plans to deport this summer.

The law, known as the Safety of Rwanda Bill , followed a UK Supreme Court ruling that blocked deportation flights because the government could not guarantee the safety of migrants sent to Rwanda. After signing a new treaty with Rwanda to strengthen migrant protections, the government proposed new legislation declaring Rwanda a safe country.

Kemi Badenoch, Britain's business and trade secretary, said the asylum seeker who chose to leave shows that Rwanda is a safe country for those deported.

“We should say it loud and clear, because one of the main arguments made about this program was that Rwanda was not a safe country, and in fact people are volunteering to go there ,” said Kemi Badenoch at Times Radio. “I know people who go there on vacation, a lot of people have gone there.”

The deportee was allegedly paid $3,750 to leave. Mr Badenoch told Sky News there was no "free option" for border control .

The British government hopes the deportations will deter migrants who risk their lives on leaking inflatable boats in the hope of being able to claim asylum once they reach Britain .

The plan was condemned by the United Nations refugee agency and the Council of Europe.

Some human rights groups say stopping the trade requires countries working together to provide safe, legal routes for migrants, not countries like Britain erecting barriers. and confide their problem to others. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said last week that deportation flights would begin in July.