The United Kingdom is at a crossroads in its asylum policy. The contentious proposal by the British government to send asylum seekers to Ruanda will soon be reviewed by the highest British court, the Supreme Court. This plan, supported by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, aims to outsource asylum procedures to the East African country.
Supreme Court ruling on Ruanda deportation flights
The legitimacy of this initiative, which affects asylum seekers regardless of their origin, is up for debate. The British judiciary has already expressed differing views on this matter. While the High Court deemed the plan to be in compliance with the law, the Court of Appeal dismissed this decision and declared Ruanda as an unsafe third country for asylum procedures. Therefore, the ruling of the Supreme Court, expected for Wednesday, is considered crucial.
Ruanda measure intended as a deterrent
The Sunak government is pursuing the goal of reducing irregular immigration, particularly through the English Channel, with the Ruanda plan. Despite a decrease in numbers compared to the previous year, the fulfillment of the government’s promise to stop boat arrivals remains uncertain. The plan to send asylum applications to Ruanda without examination has received strong international criticism, including from the United Nations Refugee Agency and the English bishops.
Potential impacts of the judgment
A judgment against the plan could lead to demands in Great Britain to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). This convention was a crucial part of the Court of Appeal’s argumentation. In the event of a positive ruling for the government, the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg remains the last hope for opponents of the plan.
How is Germany reacting?
The approach of the British government is also being closely monitored in Germany as it could influence the debate on asylum policy. The federal government is already considering examining asylum procedures outside of Europe. While SPD prime ministers can envision a preliminary examination of asylum requests, a similar plan as in Great Britain is not up for discussion in Germany. Italy, on the other hand, has signed an agreement with Albania to conduct asylum procedures there.
