Chinedu Ezeh 
The UK government has confirmed that it has detained a number of migrants in recent days who are scheduled to be deported to Rwanda in July under a new and controversial policy. This follows the passage of a contentious law allowing some asylum seekers to be deported by designating Rwanda as a safe third country.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, aiming to curb the arrival of migrants on small boats from mainland Europe, announced plans to promptly detain individuals before deportation flights commence within 10 to 12 weeks.
Reports emerged earlier this week of immigration enforcement officers holding individuals marked for deportation flights. The interior ministry confirmed on Wednesday that a series of nationwide operations were underway, with the first group of migrants set to be removed to Rwanda now detained.
Interior minister James Cleverly emphasized the urgency of detaining those deemed ineligible to remain in the UK, in order to facilitate the deportation process. The government expects to deport 5,700 migrants to Rwanda this year, with plans to detain and fly out those individuals.
Efforts to increase detention capacity and book commercial charter planes are underway, with an airport placed on standby for the deportations.
Meanwhile, Rwanda, often lauded for its stability and modern infrastructure, has been criticized by rights groups for alleged human rights violations under President Paul Kagame’s regime.
Although the UK government believes the threat of deportation to Rwanda will deter migrants from attempting cross-Channel journeys, official statistics show an increase in arrivals compared to the same period last year.
