UK Government is set to Pay £370 Million for Migration Partnership Despite controversy and Backlash
Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by News Desk
The UK government is set to pay a minimum of £370 million to Rwanda under the Migration and Economic Development Partnership (MEDP), according to a report by the National Audit Office (NAO). The MEDP, initiated in 2022, aims to address the global migration crisis and deter illegal entries via the English Channel. Asylum seekers entering the UK illegally will be relocated to Rwanda, where they can claim asylum. In return, the UK commits to supporting economic development in Rwanda by providing substantial funding and covering processing and integration costs for each relocated individual.
The Home Office will pay £370 million to Rwanda through the Economic Transformation and Integration Fund (ETIF), including fixed payments, additional sums for relocation, and ongoing support for processing and operational costs. The UK government has already paid £20 million as an advance against future costs, with an additional £8 million expected by year-end.
Despite the government’s efforts, the migration plan has faced significant challenges, with a parliamentary report deeming it “fundamentally incompatible” with human rights. The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill is progressing through the final stages of becoming law in the UK. The report has intensified criticism from the Labour Party, labelling the entire scheme a “national scandal.” Labour argues that the costs associated with the Rwanda policy are higher than initially thought, and the party has pledged to scrap the plan if they win the next election.
