After months of deliberation and amendments, a contentious United Kingdom law to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has cleared the final hurdle in the upper house of parliament, poised to be enacted within days, with the first deportation flights anticipated in weeks.
The bill, championed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, aims to address the challenges posed by the increasing influx of asylum seekers and bolster the political standing of the Conservative Party ahead of an imminent election.
Despite opposition and legal setbacks, Sunak has remained steadfast in his commitment to the Rwanda scheme, asserting that the deportation flights will proceed as planned.
Critics, including United Nations human rights experts and asylum advocacy groups, have raised concerns about the legality and morality of the initiative, citing worries about the human rights situation in Rwanda and the potential risks faced by asylum seekers.
The bill faced resistance in the House of Lords, with demands for amendments to ensure proper safeguards and protections for asylum seekers. However, after intense negotiations, the bill ultimately passed without formal alterations.
Once it receives Royal Assent, the legislation will become law, granting the UK government the authority to proceed with deportation flights to Rwanda.
The plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda has ignited controversy, with detractors condemning it as inhumane and highlighting the uncertainties surrounding the safety and rights of those affected.
Nevertheless, the UK government remains steadfast in its pursuit of the Rwanda scheme, aiming to curb the influx of asylum seekers and address public concerns about immigration.
However, the initiative faces potential legal challenges and international scrutiny, with UN rights experts warning of possible violations of human rights laws.
As the implementation of the Rwanda scheme looms, debates over immigration policy and asylum procedures continue to roil the UK political landscape, setting the stage for a contentious election campaign.
