Britain’s first flight to transport asylum seekers to Rwanda was canceled this week following a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights. More than 11,000 people have crossed the English Channel this year.
The aim is also to find out how many asylum seekers escape during the application process.
Recipients of a negative asylum decision may be at greater risk of fleeing or failing to comply with entry conditions, the interior ministry guidelines say.
It is unclear how decisions to move to electronic control will be made. The pilot project does not cover pregnant women, women who have recently given birth or minors.
The devices used for electronic surveillance are not specified, but the Ministry of the Interior’s instructions mention devices that send a GPS signal.
Those carrying a locator must report regularly at a police station or immigration center. They may be denied access to certain areas and may be subject to a curfew. If they do not follow the rules, they can be arrested or prosecuted.
Critics: Demonize people in difficulty
Britain’s first flight to transport asylum seekers to Rwanda was canceled on Tuesday just minutes before departure due to a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights.
According to the Interior Ministry, some of those who were to be on the flight will receive a tracking device.
– We keep as many people imprisoned as the law allows. If the court orders the person to be released, we will put a tracking device on him if necessary, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry told Reuters.
Critics say the plan treats those fleeing persecution as criminals.
According to refugee support groups, British government policy is once again leading to the demonization of vulnerable people.
– It is shocking that this government intends to treat men, women and children who have fled war, bloodshed and persecution as criminals, says the director of the Refugee Council Enver Solomon The Guardian.
According to Solomon, this is a severe punishment that shows a lack of compassion for people in a very vulnerable position.
– And it will not in any way prevent those who are desperately seeking refuge in Britain, Solomon tells the newspaper.
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson says it is important to ensure that “asylum seekers cannot just disappear elsewhere in the country,” the BBC reports.
More than 11,000 people have already arrived in Britain across the English Channel this year, according to official statistics.