UK discloses the expense of returning asylum seekers to Rwanda

Costs must be balanced against the effect of preventing migrants from crossing the English Channel, according to the head of the Home Office.

According to a government-released economic impact study, the UK would have to spend approximately £169,000 ($215,000) to send each asylum applicant who enters the country on a one-way trip to Rwanda.

The Conservative government of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak agreed to deport thousands of migrants more than 4,000 miles to Rwanda last year before the UK would assess their claims.

The Illegal Migration Bill, which is now being debated in the British Parliament, aims to deter people from smuggling themselves across the English Channel in tiny boats and forbids unauthorized immigrants from requesting refuge in the nation.

According to British official figures, more than 45,000 migrants entered the UK in small boats in 2022 alone, which is more than five times the level seen two years earlier.

According to the Home Office, the average overall cost of deporting each migrant involves paying £105,000 to Rwanda to host each individual, as well as £22,000 for flights and escorting the individual, and £18,000 for processing and legal charges.

The impact of preventing others from trying to enter the nation as well as the mounting cost of hosting asylum seekers must be taken into account, according to Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

“[The] increase in pressure on the UK asylum system, public sector spending, public service and accommodation capacity, and local communities is unsustainable,” said Braverman.

Asylum assistance costs alone are anticipated to cost the UK £3.6 billion now, and according to Braverman, if no action is taken, the cost will increase to £11 billion annually by 2026.

“The economic impact assessment clearly shows that doing nothing is not an option,” she said.

Human rights organizations and campaigners have criticized the deportation bill, alleging that it is against international law. According to the UNHCR, if the measure were to be passed, it would be a “clear breach” of the Refugee Convention.

However, the London High Court determined in December that the program was valid; this ruling is currently being appealed by a number of asylum seekers and human rights groups.

According to Braverman, if legislative approval is attained, the law will be implemented before the summer break.