The analysis, compiled by the Refugee Council, reveals that by the end of the year, even if the government is successful in flying 2,000 people to Rwanda, a further 115,575 asylum seekers will be left stranded in the UK. Putting all of these men, women and children into suitable accommodation, most likely hotels, will cost around £17.1m a day; more than £6.2bn a year.
The report’s release comes just days after the prime minister’s Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill passed, paving the way for the first asylum seekers to be sent to the east African country. Under the new act, anyone who enters the UK without prior permission, whether it is by small boat or another means, is not allowed to claim asylum.
The home secretary, James Cleverly, is under a legal obligation to arrange for their removal to either their country of origin or to a safe third country. There is currently no way to apply for asylum outside the UK, so this duty will impact most people who apply for asylum in the UK, the charity says.
This story is from the April 25, 2024 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the April 25, 2024 edition of The Independent.
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