Labour Government to Return Failed Asylum Seekers to Vietnam
- Recent reports indicate that failed asylum seekers in the UK will be deported to Vietnam, a shift from the previously planned deportation to Rwanda.
- Labour sources confirm that a plane originally designated for Rwanda will now transport these individuals to Southeast Asia.
- This development raises questions about the UK's asylum policies and the implications for those affected.
In a significant policy shift, the Labour government is set to repatriate around 55 failed asylum seekers to Vietnam on Wednesday, utilizing resources initially allocated for the controversial Rwanda scheme. The previous government’s plan, which aimed to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda, was scrapped shortly after Labour took office, with officials labeling it a "gimmick" and a financial burden. This marks the first instance of such returns to Vietnam since 2021. The individuals being deported are believed to have been in the asylum system for an extended period, predating Labour's administration. In response to the ongoing asylum backlog, the Labour government has established a new returns and enforcement unit, which will employ up to 1,000 staff members to expedite the removal process for those deemed ineligible to remain in the UK. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader commitment to reform the asylum system. The Rwanda scheme, which aimed to deter small boat crossings in the Channel, has faced significant legal challenges and has reportedly cost taxpayers £700 million, resulting in only four voluntary removals. In light of this, the government has redirected Home Office personnel from the Rwanda initiative to focus on enforcement and the repatriation of failed asylum seekers. Despite these efforts, the Conservative Party has criticized Labour's approach, suggesting it effectively grants an "amnesty" to those arriving by small boat. This year alone, over 15,000 individuals have crossed the Channel, surpassing figures from the same period in previous years, although there has been a decrease compared to 2022 overall.