Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill 2023-24

The Government plans to send some people who would otherwise claim asylum in the UK to Rwanda, saying that it is safe for refugees. The Supreme Court has held that Rwanda is not safe for refugees because they might be sent away to face persecution, and so the plan is unlawful.

The Government has signed a new treaty with Rwanda containing additional safeguards for people relocated. Parliament is now being asked to consider legislation declaring that Rwanda must be treated as safe, in order to render the relocation plan lawful in UK domestic law.

The Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill 2023-24 was published in draft on 6 December 2023 and introduced on 7 December. Second reading is scheduled for Tuesday 12 December.

This briefing was written specifically for the second reading debate and will not be updated. For additional material on the Safety of Rwanda Bill and the Rwanda relocation policy in general, see:

• Safety of Rwanda Bill: progress of the bill
• Safety of Rwanda Bill: legal commentary
• UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership.