What is the Rwanda scheme? Your questions answered

What is the Rwanda scheme?

Ministers believe the prospect of being sent to Rwanda will deter illegal migrants from crossing the Channel. 

The Government is gambling that the first flights to East Africa will have a stark impact on Channel arrivals, and demonstrate to voters that the problem is finally in hand.

Is it ready to launch?

The Government is confident. It has had more than two years to work on its preparations, and any kind of operational glitch would be highly damaging. 

Last month sources said 100 to 150 migrants had already been identified for the first tranche of removals.

The Government is gambling that the first flights to East Africa will have a stark impact on Channel arrivals (File Image)

Who will be sent to Rwanda?

Under two recent Acts of Parliament the Government has powers to disregard asylum applications from those who arrive in the UK by 'irregular' routes such as by small boat. 

Measures have also been taken to severely restrict migrants' access to legal appeals. However, some limited appeal rights are retained.

Will there be legal action?

Probably. Migrants who are told they are facing removal to Rwanda are expected to lodge individual appeals. 

Pro-migrant charity Care4Calais said last week it planned to initiate challenges as quickly as possible. 

Rishi Sunak said an airfield was on standby to handle the removals while 25 courtrooms and 150 judges have been earmarked to avoid delaying flights

But the PM revealed yesterday that 25 courtrooms and 150 judges have been earmarked to hear such cases promptly, in a bid to avoid delaying flights.

How will migrants be flown out?

Rishi Sunak said an airfield was on standby to handle the removals. A Ministry of Defence base – Boscombe Down near Salisbury, Wilts – was used for the aborted removals flight in June 2022 and the Home Office has been carrying out rehearsals there in recent months. 

It is understood to have been in negotiations with several private charter companies. 

Previously, firms involved in removals flights have pulled out after being targeted by Left-wing groups. It is understood the RAF is on stand-by to step in.

What happens when they arrive in Rwanda?

They will claim asylum under Rwandan law and be provided with free housing, healthcare, education and other support. 

A range of safeguards prevent any migrant who is flown to Rwanda from Britain from being sent to any other country, apart from back to the UK if necessary.

A range of safeguards prevent any migrant who is flown to Rwanda from Britain from being sent to any other country, apart from back to the UK if necessary (File Image)

How much will it cost?

The Government will pay Rwanda £370 million under the deal, plus a further £120 million once the first 300 migrants have been sent to Kigali. 

On top, there will be a cost of £20,000 per individual removed and £150,874 per head in 'processing and operational costs'.