Ireland to seek amendment of Rwanda bill with UK for migrants
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Minister of Justice Helen McEntee estimates that 80% of those applying for asylum arrived through the land border with Northern Ireland.
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Ireland's European Affairs Minister Helen McEntee arrives for an EU general affairs meeting at the EU Council in Brussels on Monday, Jan. 29, 2018. (AP)
Ireland is seeking to amend the law to allow the return of asylum seekers to the UK, broadcaster RTE reported on Sunday after an influx over the border with Northern Ireland.
Irish Minister of Justice Helen McEntee told a parliamentary committee this week that she estimates 80% of those applying for asylum arrived through the land border with Northern Ireland, which is part of the UK.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Sky News claimed this was evidence that London's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is serving as a deterrent, adding, "What it shows, I think, is that the deterrent is... already having an impact because people are worried about coming here."
In response, a spokesperson for Ireland's Prime Minister Simon Harris said the leader "does not comment on the migration policies of any other country but he is very clear about the importance of protecting the integrity of the migration system in Ireland," RTE reported.
"Ireland has a rules-based system that must always be applied firmly and fairly."
The spokesperson further noted that Harris asked his Justice Minister "to bring proposals to Cabinet next week to amend existing law regarding the designation of safe 'third countries' and allowing the return of inadmissible International Protection applicants to the UK."
McEntee is due for London on Monday to discuss a new policy upon meeting UK Interior Minister James Cleverly.
This follows the UK's Rwanda bill passing its final parliamentary level last week, while Sunak anticipates the bill will stop asylum seekers and migrants from entering the UK on small boats over the Channel from northern Europe.
Last week, Sunak made a public appearance standing at a podium adorned with the phrase "stop the boats," echoing one of his fundamental campaign promises.
During a media briefing, he expressed unwavering determination to enact the legislation, asserting its necessity to dissuade individuals lacking visas from making the journey across the English Channel from France to England.
"No ifs, no buts. These flights are going to Rwanda," Sunak said.
A quick rundown
The United Kingdom and Rwanda signed a migration agreement in 2022, under which people identified by the UK government as undocumented migrants or asylum seekers would be deported to Rwanda for processing, asylum, and resettlement.
The plan has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and some politicians who believe the measure will not help stem the flow of migrants.
The first deportation of migrants from the UK to Rwanda was scheduled for June 14, 2022. However, the flight was canceled at the last minute due to the European Court of Human Rights ruling.
