By Staff Reporter
The United Kingdom has prevailed in an international legal dispute after a court ruled that it does not have to pay Rwanda millions of dollars following the collapse of a controversial asylum agreement.
The scheme, introduced by the former Conservative government, sought to deport asylum seekers and undocumented migrants arriving in Britain to Rwanda for processing. However, the plan faced significant legal and political challenges and was eventually declared unlawful by the UK Supreme Court.
After taking office in 2024, Prime Minister Keir Starmer scrapped the policy, describing it as ineffective and costly. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper previously labelled the project “the most shocking waste of taxpayer money” she had witnessed.
Following the cancellation, Rwanda filed a claim seeking more than US$130 million, arguing that Britain still owed payments under the agreement despite terminating the arrangement.
However, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that the UK was not responsible for paying two years of outstanding costs linked to the scheme. The tribunal also rejected two additional claims brought by Rwanda concerning alleged breaches of the agreement.
The ruling, dated 15 May, was formally announced on Monday.
Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo said Kigali respected the tribunal’s decision and considered the matter closed. She noted, however, that one arbitrator had issued a dissenting opinion, indicating that the legal issues involved were complex and open to differing interpretations.
Makolo added that Rwanda would continue to engage constructively with international partners in line with international norms and mutually beneficial cooperation.
The British government welcomed the decision and said it would remain focused on implementing reforms aimed at strengthening border security and tackling illegal migration.
