Migrants will be offered thousands of pounds to move to Rwanda, it has emerged.
Failed asylum systems could be given up to £3,000 to board a flight to Kigali after a new agreement was struck between the UK and Rwandan governments.
The new agreement is designed to remove tens of thousands of migrants who have no right to stay in the UK but cannot be returned to their home country. It is separate to the deportation deal struck in 2022.
A government source told The Times: “We hope there will be failed asylum seekers out there who have no right to benefits or work in the UK, might be in hotels for prolonged periods of time and may want to take up the opportunity.”
Tens of thousands of migrants will be eligible to move to Rwanda under the ‘voluntary returns scheme’ after having their asylum application rejected.
It will be particularly effective for asylum seekers who cannot be deported back to their home countries, such as Afghans and Iranians.
It is the first time the UK has attempted such a move with a third country. Migrants voluntarily leaving on a deportation flight can receive up to £3,000 in support.
It will utilise the existing structures under the scheme agreed with Rwanda, which has been stalled by legal challenges since it was announced in April 2022.
A Home Office spokesman said: “In the last year, 19,000 people were removed voluntarily from the UK and this is an important part of our efforts to tackle illegal migration.
“We are exploring voluntary relocations for those who have no right to be here to Rwanda, who stand ready to accept people who wish to rebuild their lives and cannot stay in the UK.
“This is in addition to our Safety of Rwanda Bill and Treaty which, when passed, will ensure people who come to the UK illegally are removed to Rwanda.”
