EU Followed by UK Passing 'Refugee Repatriation Law'... Refugees Bound for Europe Left Without a Place to Go

Prime Minister Sunak's Key Pledge
Rwanda Refugee Repatriation Becomes Possible
European Parliament Also Approves 'New Immigration and Refugee Agreement'

Following the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom has also passed the 'Refugee Repatriation Act.' This establishes a legal basis for sending refugees who have been entering Europe back to their countries. Human rights organizations are opposing the move, calling it a violation of international law.

According to foreign media including The Guardian on the 22nd (local time), the UK Parliament passed the 'Refugee Applicant Rwanda Transfer Bill' that night. The bill is one of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's key pledges and centers on sending asylum seekers who cross the English Channel by boat to Rwanda. Refugees can apply for asylum in a third country via Rwanda or stay in Rwanda if they qualify.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Originally, the bill was scheduled to be implemented in 2022, but the UK Supreme Court halted it, citing the risk that asylum seekers sent to Rwanda could be forcibly repatriated to their home countries. Subsequently, the House of Commons, dominated by the ruling party, approved the government proposal as is in January, while the House of Lords repeatedly sent it back demanding amendments, resulting in a legislative 'ping-pong' between the two chambers.

Ultimately, the House of Lords recognized the priority of the elected members of the House of Commons and decided to discard the amendments, resolving the deadlock that had lasted nearly two months. The bill agreed upon by both houses will be enacted into law after receiving royal assent.

At a press conference that day, Prime Minister Sunak said, "This bill will be an innovative game changer to solve the refugee issue facing the UK," adding, "The first flight to Rwanda will depart in 10 to 12 weeks." However, he did not specify the exact timing of the flights or the number of people to be repatriated. Home Secretary James Cleverly declared, "This is a groundbreaking moment in our plan to stop migrant boats," promising, "We will take all necessary measures to secure the route for the first flight."

Human rights organizations unanimously condemned the parliamentary decision. Charities including Amnesty International criticized, "The Refugee Rwanda Transfer Bill poses a serious threat to the rule of law," and said it "puts refugees, including survivors of torture, at risk." They also urged the UK government to rebuild the asylum system.

As a result, the status and future of refugees entering Europe are expected to become uncertain. Ahead of the UK, the European Parliament approved the 'New Migration and Refugee Agreement' on the 10th, opening the way for EU member states to repatriate refugees to their home countries. Under the new regulations, if a member state faces a burden from refugee inflows, it can either distribute refugees to other member states or pay the EU 20,000 euros (approximately 29 million KRW) per refugee as compensation instead of accepting them.