UK Court of Appeal rules plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda unlawful

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – Campaigners and asylum seekers have won a legal challenge over British government's controversial Rwanda plan as the Court of Appeal on Thursday ruled that the deportation scheme is unlawful.

The court's ruling came following long-standing legal challenge and discussions in Britain, as the High Court in December ruled that the plan to deport migrants to the East African country was lawful.

However, a month later it granted an appeal against its own judgment, giving campaigners a chance to renew their legal fight.

The plan has become one of the most controversial issue on the government's migration policy, as it sparked international criticism and mass protests across the UK.

Rwanda plan which was signed by then-UK Home Secretary Priti Patel and Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta in April 2022, would see asylum seekers trying to enter the UK being sent to Rwanda for resettlement.

Tackling small boat crossings is among five priorities of the British government as more than 45,000 migrants arrived in the country crossing the Channel last year.