Rwanda's Perception of the UK's Asylum Agreement

This week, there has been a debate in UK politics about the government's plan to offshore some of its asylum seekers to Rwanda. The UK hopes that this scheme will work, but what do the people in Rwanda think about it? Hope Hostel, located in the affluent Kagugu suburb of Kigali, is an eerie place. It used to be a refuge for survivors of the 1994 genocide, but last year it was repurposed to host asylum seekers from the UK. The hostel has 50 double rooms that can accommodate up to 100 guests. Each room is equipped with Qurans and prayer mats to accommodate the Muslim arrivals. The signs around the hostel are in English and Arabic, and the restaurant is halal-certified. However, despite its preparations, the hostel stands empty. The UK made a £240 million ($300 million) payment to Rwanda as part of the deal to settle some of its asylum seekers there. The refugees would have the option to either stay in Rwanda or resettle in another country. Some people in Rwanda, like 25-year-old journalist Providence Uwase, believe that this arrangement could be beneficial for the country. They see it as an injection of money that could support economic growth and change the negative image of Rwanda. However, not everyone agrees. Many individuals fear reprisals for openly criticizing the government in a country where free expression is limited. Some are concerned about the impact of foreigners competing for limited opportunities in a densely populated country like Rwanda. There is also uncertainty about whether the new legislation will face legal challenges, as a previous version of the scheme was deemed unlawful by the UK Supreme Court due to concerns about Rwanda's human rights record. The Rwandan government argues against being labeled unsafe and emphasizes that it will ensure the well-being of the asylum seekers sent to Kigali. They also highlight their history of welcoming refugees. However, when given the option, the majority of asylum seekers at the Gashora transit camp in Rwanda choose to move to another country rather than stay. Some refugees in Rwanda feel that their lives are a struggle, and they do not believe that Rwanda is a suitable place for UK asylum seekers. In conclusion, there are differing opinions in Rwanda about the UK government's plan to offshore asylum seekers to the country. While some see potential benefits, others have concerns about competition for resources and Rwanda's human rights record. The success and legality of the scheme also remain uncertain.