Amidst the ongoing debate surrounding migration and asylum policies in the aftermath of Brexit, hundreds of migrants have reportedly crossed the internal land border into Ireland in an attempt to avoid deportation to Rwanda. The British government’s plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda has already affected migrant behavior, with an increase in asylum seekers crossing the open British-Irish border into Ireland.
In an effort to send these asylum seekers back, Dublin has implemented a law that enables their return to Great Britain. However, the Irish High Court has halted all returns due to concerns about the safety of the asylum seekers in light of the Rwanda pact. From the British perspective, the agreement with Ireland is not legally binding, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has stated that they will not accept migrants back from Ireland. This disagreement reflects broader issues surrounding migration, Brexit, and political motivations in both countries.
As tensions continue to escalate between Ireland and Great Britain, it remains uncertain how this situation will unfold. Meanwhile, the British government is working diligently to implement its Rwanda deportation plan, identifying eligible asylum seekers and preparing for departure flights. The first flights are expected to take off in July. It remains unclear what impact this policy will have on future immigration patterns and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
