Sunak and Austrian Chancellor Endorse ‘Rwanda-Style’ Deportation Model to Combat Illegal Migration in Europe

Sunak and the Austrian Chancellor endorse a 'Rwanda-style approach' to address illegal migration in Europe

The Prime Minister and the Austrian leader praised the advantages of deportation strategies to third countries like the UK’s Rwanda policy.

Political correspondent @NifS

Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 12:

Rishi Sunak stated that he and the Austrian Chancellor are intensifying their collaboration on the issue of illegal immigration, agreeing that initiatives similar to the Rwanda proposal are essential for addressing this challenge in Europe.

On Tuesday in Vienna, the prime minister held a meeting with Chancellor Karl Nehammer, after revealing that the UK government plans to allocate an additional £25 million to the National Crime Agency for combating human trafficking networks.

The primary focus of the journey was to advocate for the implementation of deportation programs to third countries, like the government's strategy involving Rwanda.

After a cordial meeting with Mr. Nehammer, Mr. Sunak expressed that they both share similar perspectives on several major issues, such as Ukraine and the Middle East.

He mentioned that their conversation covered the topic of unlawful immigration, which he described as "truly one of the pivotal challenges of our era."

The prime minister praised the Austrian leader for his long-standing and proactive stance on the issue of illegal migration, noting that he has been a leading figure in Europe on this matter.

They pledged to "enhance our collaboration to eliminate this abhorrent trade" and mentioned the necessity to "innovate… similar to the UK's groundbreaking Rwanda initiative."

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The meeting occurred following a letter signed by 15 European Union nations, among them Austria, which urged the European Commission to strengthen its migration policies and consider arrangements involving third countries.

"More and more nations are aligning with the need for a bold, innovative approach that includes partnerships with safe countries," Mr. Sunak stated.

Mr. Nehammer stated that conducting secure asylum procedures in safe third nations could "preserve human lives" by eliminating trafficking pathways, and it is "an issue that we must place on the EU's agenda as well."

Nearly 10,000 individuals have made the journey across the Channel to the UK in small boats this year.

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The administration has successfully enacted the law that will allow for the deportation of asylum seekers to an African country, although the first flights are not anticipated to begin until early July. Additionally, there may be further legal obstacles ahead.

Labour has criticized the program as a costly stunt and has vowed to eliminate it should they come to power in the upcoming general election.

Home Secretary James Cleverly affirmed the government's commitment to implementing Rwanda as a component in their border security strategy.

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In the previous year, the United ai-allcreator.com">Kingdom and Austria entered into a "migration and security pact" aimed at enhancing collaboration to tackle the challenge, as the nation seeks to establish its own third-country program to manage the increasing number of Mediterranean crossings.

In contrast to the UK's approach with Rwanda, under the Austrian plan, asylum seekers may return to Austria if their applications are approved.

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