The UK has sparked international outrage after initiating mass arrests of asylum seekers deemed to have entered the country illegally. The detainees will be relocated to Rwanda under a recently approved government plan.
Footage captured by international media outlets on May 1st showed immigration officers detaining individuals in several British cities. This follows a contentious policy announced last week, authorizing the deportation of undocumented asylum seekers to Rwanda, an African nation located east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
British officials maintain this agreement offers a safe haven for individuals lacking proper immigration status in the UK. They believe Rwanda will provide these migrants with an opportunity to rebuild their lives.
According to government figures, approximately 5,700 migrants fall under the deportation plan. However, authorities have only been able to locate roughly 2,143 asylum seekers thus far. This discrepancy raises concerns, as reports suggest that at least 3,000 individuals have vanished since the policy’s announcement.
The UK’s deportation plan has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations and European allies. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the move, labeling it a violation of “European values.” The international community continues to monitor the situation closely.
