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Written question asked by Baroness Brown of Silvertown (Labour) on Thursday, 14 April 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 April 2022 (named day). It was answered by Amanda Milling (Conservative) on Thursday, 21 April 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Rwanda: Immigration Controls

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with (a) the International Organisation for Migration, (b) states neighbouring Rwanda and (c) the African Union in relation to the impacts of the Government’s plans to establish a migrant deportation policy with Rwanda; and what assessment she has made of the impact of the Government’s plans to establish a migrant deportation policy with Rwanda on perceptions of the UK across the continent of Africa.

Answer

Due to the need for discretion during sensitive policy, legal and financial negotiations, no discussions on the Migration and Economic Development Partnership were held with the International Organisation for Migration, States neighbouring Rwanda, or the African Union.

This new Migration and Economic Development Partnership is a world first and a major milestone in breaking the business model of people smuggling gangs. Rwanda and the United Kingdom are likeminded partners in their desire to tackle the global migration crisis and their track record in hosting refugees. There is a global responsibility to prioritise the safety and well-being of migrants, and Rwanda welcomes this partnership with the United Kingdom to host asylum seekers and migrants, and offer them legal pathways to residence. This is about ensuring that people are protected, respected, and empowered to further their own ambitions and settle permanently in Rwanda if they choose.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
153842
Session
2021-22
Subjects
Immigration controls African Union Rwanda International Organization for Migration
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk