UK to send irregular migrants to Ascension Island
The United Kingdom (UK) has put Ascension Island on the agenda in case of problems with its plan to send irregular migrants who entered the country illegally to Rwanda. British officials stated that 'like any responsible government, we have taken additional measures.
The United Kingdom (UK) is considering new proposals to combat irregular migration the government is reconsidering "proposals to send irregular migrants to overseas territories" as part of alternative options in the fight against migrant boats, The Times Newspaper reported.
Under those proposals, Ascension Island, 4 thousand miles (6 thousand kilometers) away in the South Atlantic, was said to be "one of the areas being re-examined" for migrants to take before a permanent destination is found, the news said.
Asked if the government was considering sending asylum seekers to Ascension Island, Sarah Dines, Minister of State for Security at the UK Home Office, told Times Radio: "We are quite confident that Rwanda is a legitimate policy. But like any responsible government, we are looking for additional measures."
TALKS WITH 5 COUNTRIES
The Times reported that the British government is in talks with at least five countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, Namibia, Morocco, and Niger,for an agreement similar to the migrant deal signed with Rwanda last year.
The deal involves sending asylum seekers on a one-way flight to another country rather than temporarily taking them overseas.
CLAIMS HAD ALSO LEAKED BEFORE
Britain's use of its overseas territory is part of a series of "Plan B" possibilities being discussed by ministers and officials if the government is forced to abandon its policy of deporting migrants to Rwanda.
Reports that the UK was planning to send asylum seekers to Ascension Island, an overseas territory 4 thousand miles (6 thousand kilometers) away, have been leaked to the press in previous years.
Source: Anadolu Agency
