Germany Considers Using Rwanda Asylum Center

A recent proposal by German migration commissioner Joachim Stamp has sparked controversy in the UK, with some politicians claiming that Germany will benefit from a controversial asylum center in Rwanda originally funded by Britain.

Rwanda Asylum Center

The British government originally built the center as part of a 700 million pound plan to stop migrants. However, the plan was not implemented, and the center remains empty to this day.

Germany Considers Using Rwanda Asylum Center

Joachim Stamp, a German migration commissioner, has proposed using the Rwanda asylum center to reduce irregular migration. Stamp suggested that Rwanda has already created the capacity intended for the agreement with the UK and that Germany could try to use these capabilities, with the basic difference that the procedures are carried out under the auspices of the United Nations.

Opposition in the UK

The opposition in the UK has used the issue to stir up sentiment against the Starmer government. James Cleverly, former British home secretary and member of the Conservative Party, said: “Labour’s first act in government was to cancel the ‘Rwanda plan’. Now Germany wants to use the facilities we built.”

Legal Changes Required

Stamp’s initiative would require legal changes. At the moment, there is a barrier that you can only bring people to safe third countries who have a so-called connecting element there – like relatives. In his opinion, this should be deleted.

Other Countries Interested

Germany is not the only country showing interest in the concept of an asylum center in Rwanda or another country. Italy is also said to be considering the possibility of sending asylum seekers to Albania.