Recently, the charity Care4Calais reported that one in five asylum seekers targeted for deportation to Rwanda from the UK are from Afghanistan, with Syrians making up an additional 21%. The fate of Afghan individuals who had affiliations with British forces remains uncertain. This development follows after the UK’s legislation permitting such deportations was enacted, with detentions already starting. The first deportation flights to Rwanda are anticipated in July, affecting a diverse group of nationals including Sudanese, Eritreans, Iranians, Kuwaitis, Iraqis, and Sri Lankans.

In Ireland, Taoiseach Simon Harris dismissed the proposition of joining the UK’s Rwanda deportation initiative, affirming Ireland’s control over its migration policies and emphasizing the importance of the country’s EU membership. Amidst increasing asylum seeker crossings from the UK into the Republic of Ireland, the Irish government highlighted its stance on independently managing migration policies.

Legal opposition in the UK is also significant, with the FDA trade union, representing senior civil servants, launching a legal challenge against the Rwanda deportation policy. Their court hearing is scheduled for the first week of June, focusing on potential conflicts between the Civil Service Code and the directives involving deportations to Rwanda.

Amidst these developments, the UK Home Office has released a booklet describing Rwanda as a “safe and secure” destination for deported asylum seekers, providing details on potential accommodations and legal statuses achievable upon arrival. However, this policy faces substantial criticism regarding its implications on human rights, with charities and legal experts challenging its legitimacy.

As controversies continue surrounding the UK’s deportation policy, the situation remains dynamic with legal, governmental, and civil responses evolving.