Liz Barratt, head of our Immigration team, shares her thoughts on the Rwanda Act in Solicitors Journal, saying that it is startling because it is cruel.

The Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act came into force on 25 April 2024, enabling the government to remove some asylum seekers to Rwanda for their refugee claims to be decided there. This is all part of the government’s plan to ensure the UK has control over its own borders.

However, as Liz explains:

The numbers of those fleeing persecution continues to rise … because of conflict … or the persecution of individuals because of their identity, beliefs or views … and, apart from the scheme introduced for Ukrainians feeling the war there, the government has not introduced any proper routes to safety for refugees.

Most of all the Act will cause real hardship, anxiety and distress to those who have claimed asylum here and are now subject to lengthy delays, whilst decisions are made as to whether an individual will or will not have their case decided in the UK or some will be removed to Rwanda.

You can read the full article in Solicitors Journal here.

Our Immigration team are renowned for their expertise in helping the most vulnerable members of society seek international protection in the UK.