The UK’s migration policy has attracted strong criticism, even within the diplomatic community. In a recent documentary, Rwanda’s ambassador to London, Johnston Busingye, expresses his disagreement with the British government’s plan to deport migrants who arrived illegally in his country.
In this hidden camera video produced by the group ‘Led By Donkeys’, Busingye denounces the UK’s migration policy as “absolutely wrong” and “immoral”. He says people trying to reach the UK are not only doing so because of conflicts in their countries, but also out of desperation.
These statements go against the official position of Rwanda, which has an agreement with the United Kingdom to accommodate asylum seekers. Despite this gap, the Rwandan government has praised Busingye’s role in maintaining the excellent bilateral relations between the two countries.
The UK’s migration policy aims to stop the arrival of migrants by boat and break the business model of smugglers. However, this approach comes at a high cost, with estimates suggesting that sending illegal immigrants to Rwanda would cost almost 200,000 euros per person.
Busingye’s comments reflect the concerns of many migrant rights organizations that the policy is inhumane. They also highlight the role of the UK’s colonial history and its involvement in the slave trade, which should make the country more welcoming to migrants.
Although this exchange of words has not yet caused diplomatic tension, it raises questions about the sustainability of the bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and Rwanda. The question of migration policy remains a hot topic that requires in-depth reflection and decision-making conscious of its consequences.