MIN is part of a larger collective advocating and campaigning against the inhumane proposals to detain and deport people seeking asylum. We want to see an alternative asylum process based on international protection and community based support.
Since the passing of the Illegal Migration Act and the new The Safety of Rwanda Act, the UK Government has begun to implement its plans to forcibly remove individuals to Rwanda. We strongly oppose these measures, and continue to campaign for the rights of people in our community to seek safety in the UK, no matter how they travelled here. We have put together below some information and practical advice on how to limit the harm resulting from the government’s actions.
People at Risk: People seeking asylum may be at risk of detention/removal to Rwanda if you arrived in the UK on or after 1st January 2022 and:
- Your journey was deemed by the Home Office to have been dangerous or ‘irregular’ (small boat crossing/ lorry journey)
- You don’t have children with you
- You have not been granted refugee status in the UK
- Your asylum claim has been refused, withdrawn or treated as withdrawn and you don’t have an ongoing claim or appeal
Relevant letters from the Home Office include:
- A notice of intent letter
- A decision letter which mentions the inadmissibility rules
- A letter stating removal decision
- A letter detailing removal directions which specifically mention Rwanda
If you have received any of these letters or think you may be at risk of removal, speak to your legal representative urgently and consider contacting your local Member of Parliament. Find details of who they are here.
We urge anyone who may be at risk to speak to our MIN team members who will support you to take note of all the important information required, and accompany you to reporting appointments.
Dawn raids and immigration removals – If you are a local member of the community concerned about your neighbours, make sure you are aware of what immigration removal vans look like, and who you can contact in case you see a van in your area.
For staff providing direct support we recommend the following steps:
- Patience and Kindness – People are scared and feeling hopelessness. Remember to listen, hear them, if possible provide options. Try not to direct people
- Information – It is important to share accurate information, explain in calmness, helps people know what is happening, what might happen and what options they have
- Connection – Make sure people have a legal rep, know their rights, and have a number to reach when they get detained
- Legal representatives – If you know anyone who is going to be reporting at the immigration centre, and informs you, please keep a record of their lawyer incase they are detained
- Point of contact – Make sure you inform colleagues if you know anyone at risk of being detained
- Wellbeing – Remember to take care of everyone’s mental health. Create space for people to come together, talk and rant! This includes yourselves.
Other helpful links and resources can be found on MIN’s linktree here
