At The Welcoming we have put together advice and information for people affected by the Safety of Rwanda Act as an act of solidarity.

On 25th of April 2024, the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act was passed. The Act declares Rwanda as a safe country and gives the Home Office the ability to consider removing individuals who are seeking asylum in the UK to Rwanda.

Who is at risk of removal?

Not all those seeking asylum in Scotland are at risk of detention and removal to Rwanda. You are at risk of removal if:

  • If you claimed asylum in the UK on or after 1 January 2022 

And:

  • You are over 18 years old 
  • You don’t have any children under the age of 18 with you
  • Your journey is considered as “dangerous”, for example, in a lorry or a small boat
  • You passed through another safe country where you could claim asylum

You may be at risk of detention/removal to Rwanda:

  • If you receive a decision under the inadmissibility rules (this comes after a notice of intent letter). Find more about inadmissibility rules HERE.
  • If you receive a removal decision.
  • If you receive removal directions which specifically mentions Rwanda.

What to do if you are at risk of detention/removal

If you are at risk of detention/removal, we suggest that:

  • Tell a friend the time and place of your reporting appointment. When you leave the appointment, contact your friend to let them know you are okay.
  • Give your friend your solicitor‘s phone number. If your friend has not heard from you 2 hours after your reporting appointment time, they should call your solicitor and tell them you may have been detained.
  • Take your medication with you at all times.
  • Ask to speak to your solicitor first before signing any documents.
  • Write down important phone numbers on a piece of paper (these could include your key friends and family, your solicitor and detention support organisations). Remember, if you are detained, your phone may be taken away.
  • If you are detained, you can contact Bail for Immigration Detainees (BID) on 020 7456 9750
  • Check out Right to Remain information on immigration bail reporting: the basics and be prepared in case you are detained.

Useful Information

  • The Scottish Refugee Council have a free helpline, and if you do not have legal representation, you can call for advice on 0808 196 7274 on Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.
  • The decision can be challenged, but you need to act fast – Click here for more information from Just Right Scotland.

If you are detained in Scotland and moved to England, Action Against Detention and Deportation has provided the following information and important phone numbers:

Are you worried about being detained?

If you are worried about being detained or have a Home Office Reporting Event please follow this advice from the Scottish Refugee Council:

If you receive calls from the Home Office offering you voluntary departure to Rwanda, please speak to your solicitor first before you respond.

If your home or workplace is visited by Immigration Enforcement Teams, try to speak to your solicitor as soon as you can. You will see the side of the van will have the words “Home Office” or “Immigration Enforcement”.

Useful Resources