UK and Austria Unite to Tackle Migration and Security; Praise "Rwanda Model" Policy
May 21, 2024British Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer met in Vienna to discuss supporting Ukraine, tackling illegal migration, and enhancing security measures.
Nehammer praised the UK's 'Rwanda model' migration policy, which involves deporting undocumented migrants to Rwanda to combat irregular migration.
The leaders emphasized building alliances with other countries to address irregular migration and prevent dangerous journeys.
Sunak highlighted the UK's proactive stance on tackling small boat crossings, with over 45,000 migrants arriving via this route in 2022.
The first asylum seeker has been sent to Rwanda under the new scheme, following legislation approval for deporting thousands of asylum seekers.
£25 million has been allocated to the National Crime Agency to disrupt people-smuggling operations.
A joint letter by 15 EU countries aims to toughen the EU's asylum and migration pact, facilitating sending asylum seekers to third countries for assessment.
Concerns have been raised about the limited media coverage of the meeting, questioning government accountability.
The upcoming European Political Community meeting in July will provide a platform for further discussions on security, counter-terrorism, and illegal migration.
Austria and the UK are collaborating on safe third country partnerships to manage migration effectively.
Summary based on 20 sources
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Sources
GOV.UK • May 20, 2024
PM meeting with Chancellor of Austria Karl Nehammer: 21 May 2024GOV.UK • May 21, 2024
Joint Statement between UK and Austria: 21 May 2024Yahoo News • May 21, 2024
Austrian leader lauds UK's efforts on migration and cites its plan for deportations to Rwanda