2024-05-01 08:05:31
The United Kingdom deported an asylum seeker to Rwanda on Monday in the first operation of its kind, as part of a voluntary deportation program for migrants whose asylum requests were rejected, according to what British media reported Tuesday.
Last week, the British government adopted a controversial law that allows it to deport to Rwanda migrants who entered the country irregularly. The man who left the United Kingdom on Monday had agreed to leave for Kigali after his asylum application was rejected, according to British media.
Parliament had approved the project, after it had been stuck for months between the House of Lords and the House of Commons, before the Lords finally agreed not to make any additional amendments to the text, which allowed it to be approved.
The legislative deadlock was the final hurdle in adopting the controversial plan, which has faced opposition from Supreme Court justices and criticism from human rights activists who say it is illegal and inhumane, while immigrant advocates have vowed to continue opposing the measure.
On Monday, Sunak pledged to start sending asylum seekers to Rwanda within 10 to 12 weeks.
Last updated: May 1, 2024 – 08:01
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2024-05-01 08:05:31