First failed asylum seeker deported to Rwanda

The UK has returned a first failed asylum seeker to Rwanda under a voluntary removals programme. Under the scheme which was announced last month, migrants whose claims are rejected are offered up to £3 000 to move to the east African country. BBC News reports that it is separate to the forced returns scheme the government announced two years ago. That scheme, which has been beset by litigation, is due to begin by mid-July. The Sun reported that the unnamed man was flown out of the UK last Monday on a commercial flight. According to official statistics, 19 253 people with no right to remain in the UK were voluntarily deported last year. Of these, 3 319 received a ‘reintegration package’ or flights paid by the Home Office.