Important information: Rwanda Act and Home Office Operation

 

On Friday 25th April, the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 received Royal Assent and became law. The UK’s Treaty with Rwanda was ratified, meaning it has become legally binding upon the UK and Rwanda.

It is important to note that Rwanda has allegedly only agreed to receive approximately 2,000 people who have claimed asylum in the UK this year. The Rwanda Act and political debate aims to push people underground, divide communities, and isolate people from support.

On this note, on Sunday 28th The Guardian reported the Home Office has planned a two weeklong exercise of detaining people at risk of being deported to Rwanda: “Officials plan to hold asylum seekers who turn up for routine meetings at immigration service offices and will also pick people up nationwide in a major two-week exercise.”

This cruel announcement has spread fear through our communities. Here’s some key information on who this announcement applies to, who it doesn’t, and what to do.

Who this does apply to:

You may be at risk of detention/removal to Rwanda if:

  • If you received a decision under the inadmissibility rules  and

  • If you received a removal decision

  • Or if you received removal directions which specifically mentions Rwanda

An asylum claim in the UK may be found to be inadmissible if you’ve claimed asylum or had a connection to another safe third country. For example, if you stayed in another European country or received refugee status from another country.

The Home Office guidance on admissibility states that, a person who is otherwise suitable for inadmissibility action may be eligible for removal to Rwanda if:

  • you claimed asylum on or after 1 January 2022, and

  • your journey to the UK can be described as having been dangerous.

  • you do not have families with children under the age of 18 may (although families with children may be considered for inadmissibility action where removal is to other countries).

If you received a decision under the inadmissibility rules OR if you make a fresh claim (which includes human rights applications, asylum/protection claims, and further submissions to get withdrawn claims reinstated) which is refused AND you have no ongoing claims or appeals, you are also at risk of removal.

The guidance also says that those who arrived in the UK after 9 May 2022 will be prioritised and that anyone who is being considered for relocation to Rwanda will be sent a notice of intent stating this.

Most asylum seekers don’t have reporting conditions, for example those who live in asylum support accommodation and have a solicitor. This cohort is less at risk of detention as they are not reporting to the Home Office.

What happens if you are detained:

If you are detained, do not sign anything without legal advice. Call:

  • Detention Action, 0800 587 2096

  • Bail for Immigration Detainees: 020 7456 9750 (Mon-Thurs 10-12)

  • Care4Calais Rwanda: 07519773268 (WhatsApp only)

  • Care4Calais Detention: 0800 009 6268

  • Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group: 0800 389 4367

  • SOAS detainee support: 07438 407 570

  • JCWI: 0800 160 1004 (Mon, Tues, Thurs 10-1)

If they tell you they will deport you to Rwanda, you can fight the deportation. Contact:

For more information on how to prepare in case you’re detained, see here.

The ‘voluntary departure’ Rwanda Scheme:

The ‘voluntary departure’ scheme is separate to the Rwanda Act and Treaty. It is similar to the ‘voluntary returns’ scheme, but instead of returning to your country of origin, you are moved to Rwanda. The Home Office is offering people £3,000 to ‘voluntarily’ go to Rwanda.

We recommend the following:

  • You do not have to say yes to the Home Office. This is a voluntary scheme; this means that it is optional.

  • Do not respond until you have legal advice. You can find a lawyer here.

How to support your community right now:

  • Check in with your community. This announcement aims to weaken and isolate us, but we can resist together.

  • Stay up to date and informed. Right to Remain are providing regular updates and are holding an information session on 1st May, sign up here.

  • Join and follow local anti-raids groups. Learn about your rights and what to do if you see an immigration raid happening here.

More information:

 
Anya Jhoti