Politics may underpin UK-Rwanda asylum deal

Significance

Under the deal, some persons seeking asylum in the United Kingdom would be flown to Rwanda and their asylum claims processed there -- for leave to remain in Rwanda. In return, London will cover the costs and provide additional development funding to Kigali.

Impacts

• Asylum seekers identified for relocation may raise individual legal challenges that could prove complex to resolve.
• Asylum seekers deported to a distant third country with no familial or cultural ties may ultimately seek to move on.
• Even if the deal is implemented, it may prove unworkable and overly costly.