Asylum seekers in the United Kingdom are facing uncertain times as an accommodation barge, intended to house 500 individuals, arrives in Portland, Dorset. This development coincides with the passage of a controversial migration bill by the UK Parliament, which has drawn criticism from the United Nations for potentially violating international law.
The Bibby Stockholm, the designated accommodation vessel, arrived later than initially planned, just a few hours after the migration bill was passed. The legislation includes provisions to deny asylum applications to those who arrive in the UK illegally by boat.
Additionally, the bill aims to transfer individuals who enter irregularly to "safe" third countries like Rwanda. However, the Court of Appeal has thus far blocked the implementation of the Rwanda plan.
Expected to board the Bibby Stockholm later this month, the first group of asylum seekers will become part of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's strategy to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats. In 2022 alone, over 45,000 people undertook this dangerous journey, with several losing their lives in the process.
The migration bill, already passed by Parliament, awaits the approval of King Charles III to become law. This legislation is seen as a critical element of the government's efforts to address the escalating migration issue.
The plan to deport individuals to Rwanda was introduced by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson in the previous year. However, it was halted by the European Court of Human Rights, which operates independently of the European Union, due to legal challenges. The UK government has recently expressed its intent to appeal a Court of Appeal ruling that determined Rwanda could not be considered a safe third country. This decision came as a result of a challenge brought forth by ten migrants and a charity supporting asylum seekers.
While the deportation flights to Rwanda have yet to occur, rights groups have voiced concerns over the country's human rights record. Under president Paul Kagame's rule, which began after the devastating 1994 genocide that claimed the lives of approximately 800,000 people, Rwanda has been accused of suppressing free speech and political opposition.
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