Germany Explores Asylum Seeker Processing in Rwanda, Diverging from UK’s Abandoned Deportation Plan

Germany contemplates relocating asylum seekers to Rwanda for processing, following the UK's abandonment of a similar initiative. Contrary to the British approach, the plan would involve only processing in Rwanda, not deportation.

Friday, September 6, 2024, 9:

Germany is contemplating the relocation of asylum seekers to Rwanda, coming just weeks after the United Kingdom abandoned a similar proposal.

Germany's migration minister, Joachim Stamp, has proposed that individuals deported from Germany could be housed in facilities initially designated for a now-defunct UK deportation plan.

The German Ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, stated that the asylum seekers are to be transferred to the African country solely for the purpose of processing.

German lawmakers are facing calls to address unauthorized immigration following a tragic incident where a Syrian individual fatally attacked three people at a festival in Solingen, an act that the Islamic State (IS) has said it orchestrated.

Additionally, a right-wing extremist party has secured a victory in a German regional election, marking the first occurrence since World War II.

The strategy devised by the previous Conservative administration in the UK to relocate asylum seekers to Kigali aimed to discourage individuals from making dangerous journeys across the English Channel in makeshift vessels.

Upon assuming office in early July, the new Labour Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, immediately abandoned the previously established plan.

Mr. Stamp mentioned that Rwanda remains open to further exploring the concept with Germany.

"He mentioned on a Table Media podcast that Rwanda is the only third country so far to step forward."

In a recent update on X, Mr. Berger clarified, "It is important to understand that the German government has no intention to expel asylum seekers to Rwanda.

The conversation focuses on handling asylum requests in third countries, in accordance with international humanitarian law and backed by the United Nations.

Individuals entering through the eastern frontiers of the EU are the primary candidates for processing in the African nation.

"Mr. Stamp recommended focusing on this group, which comprises approximately 10,000 individuals annually."

UK Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle cautioned Germany on Sky News about replicating the Conservative party’s deportation plan, stating it "wasn't feasible."

She stated, "It was merely a stunt. The previous administration invested £700 million to persuade only four individuals to relocate to Rwanda voluntarily. Moreover, they were prepared to allocate billions more… it was clearly ineffective.

"I believe it's ultimately up to the German citizens to make their choices, however, I would caution them that the Rwanda plan was a costly stunt and it is unlikely to be successful."

The administration of Rishi Sunak encountered numerous legal obstacles to its Rwanda plan, preventing any flights from departing.

Former Immigration Minister and leading Conservative Party leadership contender Robert Jenrick criticized the situation as a "farce," pointing out that Germany was able to continue where the UK had ceased, and he accused the Labour Party of squandering the funds that had already been invested.

Mr. Jenrick criticized the government for yielding to criminal networks involved in smuggling and vowed to restore the program if elected. He expressed to Sky News, "The British government had developed a Rwandan initiative that was globally respected. However, the current Labour administration has abandoned this project rather than fortifying it, which was my intention, to make it an effective deterrent."

"Nations such as Germany evidently display a greater commitment to addressing this matter compared to the current Labour government, which appears to favor the idea of open borders in the UK."

For further details: Home Secretary to lead meeting on trafficking networks. Twelve fatalities reported following migrant vessel capsizing in the Channel.

A spokesperson from Downing Street stated that they would not provide comments on conversations involving other countries when asked about the German proposal.

"They stated, 'Each country's policy decisions are their own responsibility. Our stance on Rwanda has been clearly established.'"

Mr. Stamp mentioned that the asylum processes in Rwanda would be overseen by the United Nations.

He has proposed eliminating what's known as the "connecting element" from the newly proposed Common European Asylum System. This element currently mandates that asylum processes take place in countries where the asylum seeker has existing social ties.

In December, the European Union reached a consensus on fresh regulations to manage the sporadic influx of migrants and asylum seekers.

However, it might not be fully implemented until the close of 2025.

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information about Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Channels under Sky

Additional Sky Websites