British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are looking forward to the first flights under Britain's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda departing in the spring, a readout of their meeting said on Tuesday.
Sunak wants to relocate thousands of asylum seekers who arrive in Britain on small boats each year to Rwanda, but legal challenges have so far prevented anyone being sent there.
Following a meeting between Sunak and Kagame in London, Sunak's office said: "Both leaders looked forward to flights departing to Rwanda in the spring."
Before any flight can depart, Britain's government needs to pass new legislation which Sunak hopes will pave the way for the government to send asylum seekers who arrive in Britain without permission to the east African country.
Legislation that seeks to block further court challenges to the plan will next be debated in parliament on April 15.
Sunak has previously said he expects the first flights to leave in the spring - ahead of a national election expected in the second half of this year.
Reuters
UK and Rwanda look forward to first migrant deportation flights in spring
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Rwandan President Paul Kagame are looking forward to the first flights under Britain's plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda departing in the spring, a readout of their meeting said on Tuesday.
Sunak wants to relocate thousands of asylum seekers who arrive in Britain on small boats each year to Rwanda, but legal challenges have so far prevented anyone being sent there.
Following a meeting between Sunak and Kagame in London, Sunak's office said: "Both leaders looked forward to flights departing to Rwanda in the spring."
Before any flight can depart, Britain's government needs to pass new legislation which Sunak hopes will pave the way for the government to send asylum seekers who arrive in Britain without permission to the east African country.
Legislation that seeks to block further court challenges to the plan will next be debated in parliament on April 15.
Sunak has previously said he expects the first flights to leave in the spring - ahead of a national election expected in the second half of this year.
Reuters
READ MORE:
UK's Rwanda asylum legislation to return to parliament after Easter
UK plan to deport refugees to Rwanda to be delayed after new parliamentary defeats
UK closer to passing Rwanda asylum law after changes overturned
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most read
Latest Videos