Despite acknowledging the deterrent effect of Rwanda, Irish ministers have, however, been dismissive of the scheme. “I’ve been listening to Rwanda now for three years. We’re now talking about one person going there,” said Micheál Martin, Ireland’s deputy prime minister, referring to the voluntary removal of a migrant to Rwanda on Tuesday.
The Irish government has been contacted for comment but Hermann Kelly, president of the Irish Freedom Party, said: “If a flight to Rwanda, or even a boat trip to Iceland acts as a deterrent, those proposals should certainly be examined and quickly.”
The UK Government is gearing up for multiple legal challenges to its Rwanda legislation from detained migrants as well as civil service unions.
The Telegraph can reveal that at least 100 migrants earmarked for deportation to Rwanda have been detained since Monday. They are being put in contact with lawyers to seek bail and challenge their removal, according to charities specialising in immigration detention.
The charity Care4Calais said it had been contacted by 90 asylum seekers earmarked for deportation to Rwanda who have been detained this week in nationwide raids and operations by immigration enforcement officers. Another charity, BID, said it had been contacted by eight prospective deportees.
They will be put in contact with lawyers who will seek bail from immigration detention ahead of the flights in nine to 11 weeks and prepare legal challenges on the basis that they could be at risk of “serious and irreversible harm” if removed to Rwanda.
The Public and Commercial Services union, which represents Border Force and immigration officers, is considering following the First Division Association in taking legal action over the Rwanda plan.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
