Germany is considering utilizing facilities funded by the UK in Rwanda to process asylum seekers, according to Joachim Stamp, Germany’s migration agreements commissioner.
The accommodation, originally intended for people deported from the UK under a now-scrapped plan, could be repurposed to handle Germany’s migrant arrivals.
Mr. Stamp, a member of the Free Democratic Party, which is part of the ruling coalition, suggested this idea during an interview, noting that Rwanda is currently the only third country that has shown willingness to host such a scheme. However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has expressed skepticism regarding the offshore processing of asylum applications, raising doubts about the proposal’s future.
The UK’s initial plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda, introduced under the Conservative government, was aimed at deterring Channel crossings in small boats. However, the Labour Party scrapped the program upon taking power, citing it as a costly and ineffective “gimmick.” Despite this, accommodations were built in Kigali, Rwanda, funded by the UK, although no deportations took place due to legal challenges.
German Ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, emphasized that Germany has no plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda but is discussing processing applications in third countries in line with international humanitarian law, with UNHCR involvement. This debate arises as Germany faces increasing pressure to manage illegal migration, especially after the far-right Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party’s recent electoral gains.
While Mr. Stamp hinted that the scheme could focus on migrants entering through the EU’s eastern borders, Chancellor Scholz remains cautious, citing unresolved legal questions. The UK government, meanwhile, has declined to comment on Germany’s internal discussions but reaffirmed its stance on the scrapped Rwanda plan.
The UK’s failed program saw the country pay Rwanda £220 million, with facilities constructed in Kigali. However, it remains unclear if the UK will attempt to recoup any of the funds, as Rwanda has indicated no obligation to return the payment.
