Irish and UK PMs to Meet Over Conflict Over Immigration Policy

The Irish government declared that it would not permit Ireland to act as a “loophole” for the “migration challenges” of any other party.

The prime leaders of Britain and Ireland are getting ready to talk amid growing strains over the UK’s stance on immigration.

The Irish government claims there is an increase in asylum requests from Northern Ireland, voicing worries that they may be sent to Rwanda. It also says that Ireland will not be allowed to act as a “loophole” for other people’s “migration challenges.”

In contrast, the UK declares that it would not permit the repatriation of migrants from Ireland unless the EU modifies its guidelines for the return of migrants to France. The Irish justice minister and UK home secretary were scheduled to speak on Monday, but they were unexpectedly and mysteriously postponed on Sunday.

Ministers will still meet in London for the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference even though the bilateral meeting has been postponed.

Northern Ireland is the home of 80% of newly applied asylum seekers, according to Ireland.

The Prime Minister, Sunak, argued that the increase in immigration to Ireland proves the effectiveness of the recently passed Rwanda asylum policy.

Reiterating Ireland’s dedication to the integrity of its immigration policy, Taoiseach Simon Harris announced plans to introduce legislation permitting the return of asylum seekers to the United Kingdom.

This law was passed in response to the Irish High Court’s decision to reject the UK’s classification as a “safe third country,” noting the possibility of deportation to Rwanda. Asylum returns from the EU via Ireland won’t be permitted, according to a UK government source, until the EU sanctions return to France.

The UK government is steadfast in its efforts to operationalize the Rwanda system and work with French authorities to discourage unauthorized crossings, in response to the persistent problem of such crossings from France.

These urgent issues are expected to be addressed at the upcoming Intergovernmental Conference, which was formed in accordance with the Good Friday Agreement. Migration is expected to come up in spite of the postponement of the scheduled meeting between Irish Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Home Secretary James Cleverly.

Those who enter the UK unlawfully risk deportation to Rwanda, where they may apply for asylum. This is known as the Rwanda policy. After much discussion and legal challenges, Parliament approved it, and the administration plans to start deportation flights in the next 10 to 12 weeks.

In response to criticism that the UK is “exporting the problem,” Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak argues that the policy has a deterrent impact and discourages unlawful immigration.

Following allegations by The Guardian detailing impending detentions set to begin on Monday, the Home Office confirms preparations to detain migrants in anticipation of their deportation to Rwanda.