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UK to Pay Rejected Migrants for Rwanda Move in Backdoor Deal
The UK government is exploring a plan to pay rejected asylum seekers up to £3,000 ($3,840) to relocate to Rwanda. This proposal aims to reduce a backlog of tens of thousands whose applications were denied but cannot be deported due to safety concerns in their home countries.
This scheme differs from the previously challenged “Rwanda bill,” which proposed mandatory deportation. Here, rejected asylum seekers would be offered financial incentive to choose Rwanda as a safe third country, despite reports from rights groups regarding Rwandan political repression.
“We’re exploring voluntary relocations for those with no right to stay in the UK,” confirmed a Home Office statement.
While unable to work legally in the UK, relocated individuals would be permitted employment opportunities in Rwanda, along with five years of additional support outlined in the 2022 deportation plan.
Government officials defend the plan as a cost-effective solution. “While £3,000 is significant,” said junior business minister Kevin Hollinrake, “supporting failed asylum seekers in the UK is also expensive.”
This proposal emerges amidst ongoing legal battles surrounding the “Rwanda bill,” deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court due to violations of human rights law.
To bypass these legal hurdles, Prime Minister Sunak’s government is attempting to pass legislation declaring Rwanda a safe country for asylum seekers, effectively preventing further legal challenges.
Rwanda’s current capacity for UK asylum seekers is limited to a few hundred annually, though the government claims this can be expanded. Prime Minister Sunak aims to initiate deportations within the next few months, preceding a national election later this year.
11 Arrested in Nigeria for Eating During Ramadhan
Eleven people were apprehended by Kano State’s Hisbah, a religious enforcement agency, for eating in public during the holy month of Ramadan.
Lawal Fagge, a spokesperson for Hisbah, said authorities received a tip about a female groundnut vendor seen consuming her wares. Following this, they arrested ten other men near markets across the city.
“We take these matters seriously,” Fagge said. “Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection and abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours.”
All eleven individuals were released after swearing to observe the fast. Hisbah also requested their families to ensure they followed through with the oath.
“For some, we involved their relatives to provide additional support during Ramadan,” Fagge added.
The enforcement action only applies to Muslims. Non-Muslims are not required to fast, but Fagge warned that selling food to Muslims during fasting hours could lead to repercussions.
“Our focus is ensuring respect for the holy month,” Fagge explained. “Selling food specifically to break the fast is not tolerated.”
Ramadan, which began on March 11th, is expected to conclude on April 9th. During this period, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.
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