UK to deport initial group of migrants to Rwanda in 2 weeks

By Karim El-Bar

LONDON (AA) – The British Home Office announced on Tuesday that a first group of migrants will be deported to Rwanda under a controversial agreement with the East African country on June 14.

In April, the British government announced plans to send some of the people who seek asylum in the UK to Rwanda. The scheme drew criticism from lawmakers, both within and outside the ruling Conservative Party, as well as charities and even the Church of England.

The Home Office said letters have been sent to the migrants telling them that they will be moved to Rwanda as the “final administrative step” in the process. The British government did not say how many would be on the first deportation flight.

"Our world-leading partnership with Rwanda is a key part of our strategy to overhaul the broken asylum system and break the evil people-smugglers' business model," said Home Secretary Priti Patel.

"Today's announcement is another critical step towards delivering that partnership and, while we know attempts will now be made to frustrate the process and delay removals. I will not be deterred and remain fully committed to delivering what the British public expect," she added.

The government says the Rwanda plan is necessary to break up international people-smuggling gangs, and stop cross-Channel illegal migration.