Important Rwanda Update for Asylum Seekers
On 25 April 2024, the UK adopted new legislation that allows the
Home Office to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for their asylum
claim to be processed.
Although in theory, thousands of asylum seekers living across the UK
could be considered for removal to Rwanda, in practice, we think
only a small number of people will be affected.
However, it is important for asylum seekers to know what to do if
they are at risk. This briefing provides some practical tips for asylum
seekers.
Who can be sent to Rwanda?
Only adult asylum seekers who claimed asylum after 1 January 2022
can potentially be sent to Rwanda. The Home Office cannot consider
families with children under 18 years.
What is the process?
Before the Home Office sends any asylum seeker to Rwanda, it must
follow published process.
First, if the Home Office is considering sending you to Rwanda, it will
first issue a Notice of Intent. This is not a formal decision letter.
Instead, it means that the Home Office is looking for a ‘third country’
to accept you for relocation.
Next, and only if the Home Office considers you are suitable for
removal, it will issue a second Notice of Intent. This letter will specify
the country the Home Office plans to send you to i.e. Rwanda.
What should I do if I receive a Notice of Intent?
If you receive a Notice of Intent naming Rwanda you should notify
your solicitor immediately. If you do not have a solicitor, you should
seek immigration advice urgently.
Should I continue to report to the Home Office?
Most asylum seekers are required to ‘report’ regularly to the Home
Office. Asylum seekers living in Northern Ireland are usually required
to report to the Home Office at Drumkeen House in South Belfast.
The Law Centre advises asylum seekers to continue to report and to
abide by Home Office conditions. Migrants who do not comply with
Home Office restrictions are at increased risk of immigration
detention.
What steps should I take?
If you are asked to attend a reporting event, and you have received a
Notice of Intent that names Rwanda, we recommend that you:
- Notify your solicitor of the reporting event;
- Have a copy of your solicitor’s contact details written on a piece of
paper and keep it close, in your wallet for example.
- Give your friends and family the contact details of your solicitor.
- Ask someone to go to the Home Office appointment with you. It
is unlikely that they will be admitted into the building, however,
they could notify your solicitor if you don’t come out within a
reasonable time.
- Consider taking your Home Office documents and any
medication with you to your reporting event in case you are
detained.
- Pack your valuable items together and leave them with someone
you trust. This is necessary because, if you are detained, your
belongings could be disposed of by Mears.