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Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has said he would return money to the UK if no asylum seekers are sent to his country under his deal with the government.
The UK has paid £240m to Rwanda, with a further £50m to come. So far, no asylum seekers have been sent to the country.
Asked why he was taking the money, Kagame said: “It’s only going to be used if those people will come. If they don’t come, we can return the money.”
It comes as Rishi Sunak faces a crucial Commons vote on his Rwanda bill.
She said in a statement that the funds paid to Rwanda were intended to support the country’s economic development as well as to “prepare to receive and care for the migrants when they arrive”.
Rwandan government spokeswoman said the country has “no obligation” to return any of the funds paid but if the UK requests a refund “we will consider this”.
She said in a statement that the funds paid to Rwanda were intended to support the country’s economic development as well as to “prepare to receive and care for the migrants when they arrive”.
“Under the terms of the agreement, Rwanda has no obligation to return any of the funds paid.
“However, if no migrants come to Rwanda under the scheme, and the UK government wishes to request a refund of the portion of the funding allocated to support the migrants, we will consider this request.
“To talk about figures at this point is premature, as we are still awaiting the conclusion of the UK legislative process and remain committed to making the partnership work.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak claims his plan to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda will be a deterrent to migrants seeking to travel across the Channel in small boats.
But Labour says it is an expensive “gimmick” that won’t work – and that they would scrap the policy if they win the general election.
Mr Sunak is also facing opposition from some of his own Tory MPs, who say the legislation is not tough enough and the government should be prepared to defy international law to get deportation flights off the ground.
Additional Source: BBC
