News|MigrationRwanda sues UK over scrapped asylum seeker dealRwanda began the inter-state arbitration proceedings under the asylum partnership agreement in November.
Rwanda has initiated legal proceedings against the United Kingdom due to the latter's refusal to disburse payments under a terminated agreement concerning the reception of deported asylum seekers. The arbitration was filed with the Hague-based Permanent…
Rwanda has initiated legal proceedings against the United Kingdom due to the latter's refusal to disburse payments under a terminated agreement concerning the reception of deported asylum seekers. The arbitration was filed with the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration, seeking £50 million ($68.8 million) in compensation. This action follows the UK's failure to formally conclude the agreement approximately two years ago.
Michael Butera, chief technical adviser to the Rwandan minister of justice, stated that the decision to pursue arbitration was necessary due to the UK's lack of responsiveness. Diplomatic channels were explored prior to this legal action.
The original agreement, intended as a deterrent for individuals arriving in the UK via small boats, was part of a treaty between the UK and Rwanda. However, only four individuals voluntarily relocated to Rwanda under this scheme. The agreement was terminated by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July 2024, who declared it "dead and buried." Prior to its cancellation, the UK had paid Rwanda £240 million ($330.9 million), with an additional £50 million ($68.9 million) scheduled for April.
Starmer's spokesperson indicated the UK government would defend its position to safeguard taxpayer interests. Additionally, the UK had suspended most financial aid to Rwanda due to the latter's support for the M23 group's activities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Rwanda has initiated legal proceedings against the United Kingdom due to the latter's refusal to disburse payments under a terminated agreement concerning the reception of deported asylum seekers.
The agreement encountered multiple legal challenges, culminating in a November 2023 ruling by the UK Supreme Court deeming it illegal under international law. Rwanda commenced arbitration in November, with the case currently pending, according to the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
Immigration continues to be a significant political issue in the UK post-Brexit, with approximately 37,000 asylum seekers crossing the English Channel in 2024 and over 40,000 in 2025. The UK government reports the removal of 50,000 undocumented residents.
In September, the UK and France enacted a "one-in-one-out" agreement to manage asylum seekers between the two countries, although its effectiveness has been questioned by critics and NGOs.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
