The UK will not have to pay Rwanda £100 million over a terminated migrant deportation scheme, an international court has ruled. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague rejected Rwanda's claim that the UK breached the agreement, which was scrapped by the Labour government on its first day in office in July 2024.
The scheme, originally struck by Boris Johnson in 2022, aimed to send asylum seekers arriving via small boats or lorries to Rwanda. However, it faced legal challenges and was ultimately ruled illegal by the UK Supreme Court. Only four people were voluntarily relocated to Rwanda before the plan was abandoned.
Rwanda had sought two annual payments of £50 million, plus £6 million in compensation and interest, arguing it incurred significant costs preparing for the partnership. The court dismissed the first claim by majority and the second unanimously, ruling the UK not liable.
A UK government spokesperson welcomed the decision, stating: “The UK robustly defended its position, and the tribunal has now ruled in favour of the UK on all grounds.” The ruling comes amid broader tensions between the two nations, with the UK cutting aid to Rwanda over alleged support for M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
