UK Lawmakers Vote for Rwanda Migration Bill: What You Need to Know

New Delhi: In a crucial move, British lawmakers have approved a contentious plan that aims to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda. The proposal, costing over $300 million, intends to deter unauthorized migration via the English Channel. However, not a single person has been sent under this plan yet.

The recent 313-269 vote in Favor of the Rwanda bill by the House of Commons averted a potential setback for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. This decision comes amid debates about the bill’s legality and ethical concerns raised by human rights groups. Some argue that Rwanda might not be a safe place for refugees due to reported human rights violations.

The bill, facing opposition from different ends of the political spectrum, seeks to override legal challenges and create a new pathway for handling asylum claims involving Rwanda. Despite concerns about breaching international law and challenging human rights norms, the government asserts that this move remains within legal frameworks.

This decision has sparked debates and criticism, with opposition leader Keir Starmer dismissing it as a ‘gimmick.’ Moreover, if this vote had failed, it could have spelled trouble for Sunak’s leadership.

While the bill proceeds for further examination, its journey through Parliament remains contentious. It’s a balancing act between tough immigration control and respecting human rights, a debate likely to continue.