The UK will deport individuals who enter the country through unauthorized methods to Rwanda before the upcoming general election, according to Robert Jenrick, the minister of immigration. As the home secretary, James Cleverly, heads to Kigali to sign a treaty that will enable this policy.
Jenrick, who has shifted towards a more conservative position and alluded to his discontent with Downing Street’s perceived lack of action on immigration, further escalated his language by accusing individuals arriving in the UK on small boats of “illegally entering the country.”
The current Home Secretary, who is the third to visit Rwanda, has arrived in Kigali this morning. He is here on behalf of the British government to negotiate a new agreement for deportations. This will replace the current memorandum of understanding (MoU) and is a response to the UK Supreme Court’s rejection of the government’s previous plans for deportations to Rwanda.
The government is preparing “emergency” legislation to address the issue of the courts and potentially declare Rwanda as a safe haven for asylum seekers. This legislation could be implemented as early as this week.
When questioned about the likelihood of flights departing for Kigali prior to the upcoming general election, set to occur next year, Jenrick assured Sky News that they will indeed occur. However, there are several steps that must be taken in order to make it happen.
“I am optimistic that the treaty, to be signed by the home secretary later today, will establish a significantly improved agreement with the Rwandan government that addresses the concerns raised by the supreme court.”
During an interview with Sky News, he expressed his belief that it is morally incorrect for individuals to enter the UK via small boats. He further stated that if any of us were to cross an international border or unlawfully enter another country, we would anticipate serious consequences.
Attorneys from the UK may also be designated to appear in Rwandan legal proceedings under the agreement that would take the place of the non-binding Memorandum of Understanding, which cannot be used as evidence in a court of law.
Both the Rwandan and British governments could produce a dossier aimed at showing that the country is safe for asylum seekers and rebutting last month’s UK supreme court rejection.
After revealing a set of strategies on Monday, Cleverly landed in Rwanda to implement them. These measures aim to decrease the influx of foreign workers and their families into the UK, making it more challenging for employers to hire overseas employees, particularly in the healthcare and social care industry.
He proposed a five-point strategy that would increase the minimum salary requirement for a skilled worker visa to £38,700. Additionally, the provision allowing certain professions to be hired at 20% below the standard rate would be eliminated.
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On Tuesday, Jenrick stated that the government remains dedicated to lowering net migration from 672,000 to 225,000, as promised. He affirmed, “I am committed, and so is the government, to fulfilling our manifesto promise.”
During an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, when asked about the raised salary requirement and its connection to the ability of families to reunite based on their wealth, the speaker stated, “There are tough decisions at the core of this issue. In order to decrease net migration, sacrifices must be made. One must be prepared to make difficult choices.”
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, suggested that the Labour party is willing to consider whether it would maintain the alterations made to the minimum salary requirement if they were to take control.
Cooper stated on BBC Radio 4 that the increase in migration, especially in regards to its potential effect on British citizens who have formed romantic relationships with individuals from other countries, should be examined by the Migration Advisory Committee. This committee is a separate entity that offers guidance to the government on matters related to immigration.
She mentioned that there is a chance for a significant rise in hasty marriages due to the alterations.
Source: theguardian.com
