Germany plans to process migrants in Rwanda after UK drops scheme

Germany is considering a plan to process migrants in Rwanda, following the UK's abandonment of a similar scheme. The German migration minister, Joachim Stamp, indicated that while asylum seekers could be sent to Rwanda, it would only be for processing and not for deportation. This proposal comes amid rising pressure on German politicians to address illegal migration, particularly after a violent incident linked to a Syrian national. The far-right party's recent electoral success has further intensified the debate on migration policies. The German Ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, clarified that there is no intention to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, emphasizing that the focus would be on processing around 10,000 individuals annually. The UK’s previous plan aimed to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel, but it faced criticism for being ineffective and costly. Critics, including former British officials, argue that the Labour government’s decision to scrap the scheme reflects a lack of commitment to tackling illegal migration. In response to the situation, Mr. Stamp suggested that asylum procedures in Rwanda would be overseen by the United Nations, indicating a structured approach to handling asylum claims. He also proposed changes to the Common European Asylum System, which currently requires asylum procedures to occur in countries where the applicants have social ties. The European Union has recently agreed on new rules to manage irregular arrivals of migrants, but full implementation may not occur until late 2025. As discussions continue, the focus remains on finding effective solutions to the ongoing migration challenges faced by Germany and other European nations.