UK to send asylum seekers to Rwanda

By Hasan Esen

LONDON (AA) – The UK will send people seeking asylum in the country to Rwanda as part of a government crackdown on unauthorized migrants, the Prime Minister’s Office announced Wednesday.

“The home secretary will set out further details on a world-first migration and economic development partnership signed by the home secretary, Priti Patel, with Rwanda – one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa which is recognized globally for its record on welcoming and integrating migrants,” it said in a statement.

Migrants will reportedly have their asylum claims processed in the East African country and will be encouraged to settle there.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to announce a new set of measures Thursday, including putting the Royal Navy in charge of English Channel operations from Friday and the inauguration of a new reception center to hold people attempting to enter the country to aid in ending the practice of housing asylum seekers in hotels.

*Writing by Ahmet Gencturk in Ankara