Rwanda offers to take in "thousands" of asylum seekers arriving in the UK

MADRID, 14 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Government of Rwanda has defended this Tuesday the agreement with the United Kingdom to receive asylum seekers and has stated that the flight scheduled for this Tuesday may be the first of many, since the African country is willing to receive "thousands" of people.

The spokeswoman for the Rwandan Executive, Yolande Makolo, has explained to the press that her government is offering migrants who arrived in British territory after crossing the English Channel a "new life". Thus, she has explained that they will be provided with all kinds of support, including accommodation, and that even if Rwanda rejects their formal request for asylum, they will be able to apply for legal residence.

Makolo has also pointed out that the Rwandan authorities are willing to support the return of these migrants to their country of origin or to a third country. "We hope they choose to stay with us," he declared, arguing that it is necessary not to fall into stereotypes when talking about Africa.

"We do not consider that living in Rwanda is a punishment," he said when asked by the media about an agreement that comes preceded by all kinds of criticism. Human rights organizations have accused the UK of outsourcing its asylum responsibilities.

Makolo, however, does not consider it immoral to "offer a home" to these people and, although he has stated that "there is no specific figure" on the commitments with the United Kingdom, he has made clear Rwanda's good disposition. "We are ready to receive thousands," he declared.

Like the United Kingdom, Denmark has also reportedly sounded out Rwanda for a potential similar agreement, but the government spokeswoman has indicated that the talks have not "yet" concluded.