Two European Union lawmakers, Tineke Strik and Anna Strolenberg, have revealed that Rwanda is in discussions with some EU countries to potentially host migrants who may be deported from the EU. The lawmakers, from the Greens/EFA and Volt parties, made the announcement after a recent visit to Kigali. According to reports, Rwanda has expressed willingness to consider hosting migrants, but talks are still in the early stages and no agreement has been reached.
The discussions between Rwanda and EU countries are part of a broader effort by the EU to address the issue of migration. Earlier this month, five EU countries - Germany, Austria, Greece, Denmark, and the Netherlands - announced plans to reach agreements with non-EU countries to deport migrants who do not have the right to stay in the EU. The group, known as the "Group of Five," aims to increase the number of migrants returned to their home countries and reduce irregular migration into the EU.
The "Group of Five" countries have not yet publicly disclosed which non-EU countries they are considering to host deported migrants. However, a senior EU official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that Rwanda is one of the countries being considered. The official's comments suggest that Rwanda's potential role in hosting migrants is being taken seriously by EU authorities.
During their visit to Kigali, Strik and Strolenberg were shown two facilities that had been prepared as part of a UK government plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. The plan was later scrapped by the new UK government. One of the facilities was a hotel that had been converted to accommodate migrants. The lawmakers' visit suggests that Rwanda has been actively exploring ways to support EU countries in addressing the migration issue.
The EU's efforts to address migration have been ongoing for several years, with Rwanda previously expressing a willingness to contribute to these efforts. In the past, Rwanda has worked with international organizations and countries like the UK to provide support for migrants and refugees. However, the country's potential role in hosting migrants deported from the EU is a new development.
The "Group of Five" countries are set to meet again on Thursday to discuss their plans for deporting migrants. The meeting will focus on the next steps in their efforts to reach agreements with non-EU countries to host deported migrants. It remains to be seen which countries will ultimately agree to host migrants and what the terms of these agreements will be.
Rwanda's potential role in hosting migrants has raised questions about the country's capacity to provide support for large numbers of people. The country's previous experience in hosting refugees and migrants will likely be an important factor in any decision to host deported migrants from the EU.
Key points
- Rwanda is in early talks with some EU countries to host migrants who may be deported from the EU.
- The "Group of Five" EU countries aim to increase the number of migrants returned to their home countries and reduce irregular migration into the EU.
- Rwanda has previously expressed a willingness to contribute to EU efforts to address migration.
