Update | Tuesday 14 May 2024
Yesterday (Monday 13 May) the Government released new guidance which extends their programme to enforce removals to Rwanda to include people who have had their asylum claim refused. And this morning we were devastated to hear that someone we have been supporting was detained when they went to sign at our local reporting centre.
Our friends at JCWI have updated their Rwanda guidance here which is extremely helpful. In the meantime, the information and links shared below are still also relevant. If you're based here in the North West, we highly recommend you check out GMIAU's website as they have also updated their guidance today.
On Sunday 28 April 2024, the Guardian newspaper reported that the detention of people at risk of being deported to Rwanda will start on Monday 29 April 2024. The article says: “Officials plan to hold asylum seekers who turn up for routine meetings at immigration service offices and will also pick people up nationwide in a major two-week exercise.”
We are angered and deeply disturbed by this news. Last week we shared an update on the Safety of Rwanda Act and how people supported by Boaz have received calls from the Home Office offering "voluntary departure" to Rwanda.
We now want to share resource and advice for frontline workers and anyone else who is concerned about what this news means and how we can best support people in our communities at this time. We're grateful for partners such as NACCOM, Right to Remain, Lou Calvey from Asylum Matters and others for sharing their wisdom along with some of the links below.
It's critical that we share information that is trustworthy and accurate, especially in such troubling times. We will continue to update this page so please get in touch if there are other links or information to add.
General information and guidance on the Rwanda act
Right to Remain have a new section in their brilliant Toolkit on the Rwanda act.
Care4Calais have produced this helpful explainer in various languages (shared via NACCOM) which also explains what to do if you receive a "Notice of Intent letter from the Home Office about Rwanda.
Preparing to report
Right to Remain has advice for people who are preparing to report at a local immigration centre and information on supporting people as they prepare to report.
They also provide invaluable information on immigration detention.
If you or someone you know is detained...
If you live in the North West of England and don't have a solicitor, you can contact Greater Manchester immigration Aid Unit. Email [email protected] and put "Rwanda" in the title. Include as much information as possible about the person detained, and also send any relevant Home Office documents if you can.
Duncan Lewis are taking on cases for anyone detained for the purposes of removal to Rwanda- email [email protected]
Wilsons Solicitors are also taking on cases where someone is detained - email [email protected].
In any situation, if someone is detained we recommend they contact AVID for advice and support.
Immigration raids
Already today we have seen reports of immigration raids in different communities across the UK. Right to Remain have once again produced some clear and helpful guidance on what to do in this situation.
Speak out
Sign this petition calling for the UK government to halt their cruel plan and stop the Rwanda flights.
Look out for local campaign actions and demonstrations. These Walls Must Fall are already planning events in Liverpool and Manchester this week. Check out their Twitter feed for more information.