Regional
Rwanda, UK ink major deal on migrants, asylum seekers
Rwanda
and the United Kingdom have signed a deal that seeks to give a dignified life
to people who leave their countries to seek asylum in European country. Under
the deal, some of these people will be relocated to Rwanda where they will be
empowered through different initiatives.
A
statement issued by the Government of Rwanda said the country is pleased to
confirm “a bold new partnership” with the UK which will take an innovative
approach to addressing the global migration crisis.
“The
partnership, through the Economic Transformation and Integration Fund, will
invest in Rwanda’s economic development – creating professional and personal
development opportunities for migrants and Rwandans alike, and rebalancing the
inequalities at the heart of the global migration crisis,” read the statement.
The
deal will be signed in Kigali between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr
Vincent Biruta and Priti Patel, the Home Secretary of the United Kingdom.
“By
relocating migrants to Rwanda and investing in personal development and
employment for migrants, our nations are taking bold steps to address the
imbalance in global opportunities which drives illegal migration, while
dismantling the incentive structures which empower criminal gangs and endanger
innocent lives. The partnership will disrupt the business model of organised
crime gangs and deter migrants from putting their lives at risk,” it added.
As
well as prioritising the dignity and empowerment of migrants, their safety and
security will be ensured by hosting the programme in Rwanda, according to the
government statement. Rwanda has over the years been consistently ranked as one
of the world’s safest nations.
The
deal will also seek to empower the migrants with a range of opportunities for
building a better life during their stay in Rwanda.
“Rwanda
is committed to international co-operation and partnership on migration, in
particular the opportunities that a robust protection system as well as a
comprehensive human capital investment program can create, for migrants and for
development of the host country,” said Minister Biruta in the statement.
“There
is a global responsibility to prioritise the safety and well-being of migrants,
and Rwanda welcomes this partnership with the United Kingdom to host asylum
seekers and migrants, and offer them legal pathways to residence. This is about
ensuring that people are protected, respected, and empowered to further their
own ambitions and settle permanently in Rwanda if they choose,” he added.
Under
the programme, migrants will be entitled to full protection under Rwandan law,
equal access to employment, and enrolment in healthcare and social care
services.
“Furthermore, the UK’s upfront investment of £120 million will fund opportunities for Rwandans and migrants including secondary qualifications, vocational and skills training, language lessons, and higher education,” reads the statement.
Source: www.newtimes.co.rw