UK home minister Suella Braverman has vowed to move ahead with the Asylum plans even if the UK government's plan to send Asylum Seekers to Rwanda is hampered by the European Convention on Human Rights. Braverman also hinted that the government is prepared to move out of the convention.

UK: Braverman vows to do 'whatever it takes' to tackle illegal migration

The first asylum-seekers boarded a controversial barge moored in southern England Monday as public health experts warned of the possible risk of infection in living conditions that campaigners branded as inhumane.

UK moves some asylum seekers to a barge on southern coast

The UK government has taken another step towards keeping its promise to stop illegal immigration, and reports suggest that it may use tents to house 200 migrants. However, just recently, the UK home office purchased ten additional tents to house these migrants, as part of the plans introduced by Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

UK government buys tents to house asylum seekers : Reports

Instead of introducing a policy that required victims to provide immediate proof of trafficking so that the UK government can identify them as a potential victim of slavery, UK Home Secretary Braverman withdrew a contentious portion from the illegal migration rules that made it harder for trafficking victims to have their pleas accepted earlier.

UK: Braverman withdraws rule that made asylum harder for victims

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Rwanda stays committed to UK asylum deal

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman visited Rwanda on Saturday to hold deliberations over a contentious arrangement that would see the UK deport asylum seekers who are thought to have entered the country unlawfully to the African nation.&nbsp;

No one has been deported as of yet, but the plan is beset with legal issues. Braverman's visit has drawn criticism since she only asked journalists from right-wing publications to tag along with her during her Rwanda trip.&nbsp;

The visit comes as the UK government considers a controversial plan to deport asylum seekers to third countries, including Rwanda, where the asylum claims would be processed. British high commissioner to Rwanda Omar Daair and the permanent secretary of the Rwandan foreign ministry Clementine Mukeka welcomed Braverman as she landed in Kigali.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pretext-of-iraq-war-just-an-excuse-tony-blair-denounces-putins-ukraine-invasion-573321">Pretext of Iraq war just an ‘excuse’: Tony Blair denounces Putin’s Ukraine invasion</a>

In a statement released on Friday, Suella Braverman said the "UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership is a ground-breaking approach that will act as a powerful deterrent against dangerous and illegal journeys such as small boat crossing".

The plan to transfer asylum seekers to third countries has been criticised by human rights groups and some politicians. They argue that it would violate international law and put vulnerable people at risk.&nbsp;

However, the UK government maintains that such a policy is necessary to deter illegal immigration and reduce the strain on the country's overstretched asylum system. Rwanda has not publicly commented on the proposal but has signalled a willingness to cooperate with the UK on matters of migration and security.

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Under the Rwanda plan, some asylum seekers will be transferred to Rwanda on one-way tickets during the five-year trial in order to apply for asylum there. The first flight was supposed to depart in June but was postponed due to legal issues after an intervention by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).&nbsp;Once deported, people could be given permission to remain in Rwanda as refugees. If not, they can apply to live there on other grounds or ask for asylum in a "safe third nation".

For the programme, the UK would be giving the Rwandan government £140 million over five years. Flights to Rwanda, food, lodging, access to translators, and legal counsel would all be additional expenses. The annual cost of the UK's asylum system is £1.5 billion. Spending on hotel rooms for refugees and asylum seekers is close to £7 million a day.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nawaz-sharif-wants-me-jailed-so-i-cant-take-part-in-elections-says-imran-khan-573332">'Nawaz Sharif wants me jailed so I can't take part in elections,' says Imran Khan</a>

The bill's impracticality is another worry. The Rwandan government has said that it will only be able to handle 1,000 applications for refuge over the first five years. In comparison, it is projected that in 2022 alone, 45,755 individuals will have entered the UK using tiny boats that crossed the English Channel.

A UK court concluded in December that the Rwanda plan is legitimate. It claimed that the UN Refugee Convention is not violated by the Rwanda plan. On the other hand, the High Court decided on January 16 that some of the parties who lost the case had the right to challenge certain portions of its ruling. As a result, no planes will be permitted to depart for Rwanda while the matter is before the Court of Appeal. No date has been set. 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman visited Rwanda on Saturday to hold deliberations over a contentious arrangement that would see the UK deport asylum seekers who are thought to have entered the country unlawfully to the African nation.

UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman visited Rwanda on Saturday to hold deliberations over a contentious arrangement that would see the UK deport asylum seekers who are thought to have entered the country unlawfully to the African nation. No one has been deported as of yet, but the plan is beset with legal issues. Braverman's visit has drawn criticism since she only asked journalists from right-wing publications to tag along with her during her Rwanda trip. The visit comes as the UK government considers a controversial plan to deport asylum seekers to third countries, including Rwanda, where the asylum claims would be processed. British high commissioner to Rwanda Omar Daair and the permanent secretary of the Rwandan foreign ministry Clementine Mukeka welcomed Braverman as she landed in Kigali. Also Read | Pretext of Iraq war just an ‘excuse’: Tony Blair denounces Putin’s Ukraine invasion In a statement released on Friday, Suella Braverman said the "UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership is a ground-breaking approach that will act as a powerful deterrent against dangerous and illegal journeys such as small boat crossing". The plan to transfer asylum seekers to third countries has been criticised by human rights groups and some politicians. They argue that it would violate international law and put vulnerable people at risk. However, the UK government maintains that such a policy is necessary to deter illegal immigration and reduce the strain on the country's overstretched asylum system. Rwanda has not publicly commented on the proposal but has signalled a willingness to cooperate with the UK on matters of migration and security. Also Read | Thousands conned in biggest crypto scam to date: Report Under the Rwanda plan, some asylum seekers will be transferred to Rwanda on one-way tickets during the five-year trial in order to apply for asylum there. The first flight was supposed to depart in June but was postponed due to legal issues after an intervention by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Once deported, people could be given permission to remain in Rwanda as refugees. If not, they can apply to live there on other grounds or ask for asylum in a "safe third nation". For the programme, the UK would be giving the Rwandan government £140 million over five years. Flights to Rwanda, food, lodging, access to translators, and legal counsel would all be additional expenses. The annual cost of the UK's asylum system is £1.5 billion. Spending on hotel rooms for refugees and asylum seekers is close to £7 million a day. Watch | 'Nawaz Sharif wants me jailed so I can't take part in elections,' says Imran Khan The bill's impracticality is another worry. The Rwandan government has said that it will only be able to handle 1,000 applications for refuge over the first five years. In comparison, it is projected that in 2022 alone, 45,755 individuals will have entered the UK using tiny boats that crossed the English Channel. A UK court concluded in December that the Rwanda plan is legitimate. It claimed that the UN Refugee Convention is not violated by the Rwanda plan. On the other hand, the High Court decided on January 16 that some of the parties who lost the case had the right to challenge certain portions of its ruling. As a result, no planes will be permitted to depart for Rwanda while the matter is before the Court of Appeal. No date has been set. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UK Home Secretary Braverman visits Rwanda as legal difficulties with asylum agreement loom large

A UK-based whistleblower has revealed children seeking asylum being subjected to racial abuse and assault at a Home Office-run hotel, calling on the British government to act immediately, reports the Guardian newspaper.&nbsp;According to reports, the whistleblower, who worked at the hotel in Brighton for over a year, scores of children who arrived in the UK without parents or a carer suffered “emotional abuse” and were later driven onto the streets and joined criminal gangs.

The revelation comes a week after an investigation by the Observer newspaper revealed that dozens of youngsters were kidnapped by gangs from the same hotel, prompting calls for a public inquiry.&nbsp;The report&nbsp;said that more than 200 children are missing from the hotels managed by the Home Office.

A week after the report, another whistleblower came forward and claimed that some more children in the Brighton hotel are being threatened.

“I heard staff threatening to throw children out of the window and joking about them going missing,” the whistleblower told the&nbsp;Observer.

He further said that despite flagging the inappropriate staff behaviour, no action was taken by the Brighton hotel, one of seven run by the Home Office.

“There was a lot of xenophobic stuff, like: ‘Fuck off back to your country.’ Somebody heard one senior staff member calling a child a ‘fucking terrorist’.”

He added that staff would regularly talk about children being abducted from nearby streets and that the targeting of youngsters was common knowledge.

The Sussex police have been apprised of the matter and have started investigating a potential trafficking case after three children got into a car outside the Brighton hotel.

According to reports, the car was driven towards London before police intercepted it. However, Home Office sources maintained they have no evidence of children being kidnapped, reports Guardian.

Responding to these reports, a Home Office spokesperson denied that the children are being kidnapped.

“We have not received any complaints in relation to these claims. The wellbeing of children in our care is an absolute priority. Robust safeguards are in place to ensure they are safe and supported as we seek urgent placements with a local authority. When issues do arise, we take complaints extremely seriously and they are acted upon quickly.”

“In October, the independent immigration watchdog found young people in hotel accommodation unanimously reported feeling safe, happy and treated with respect,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Guardian.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A UK-based whistleblower has revealed children seeking asylum being subjected to racial abuse and assault at a Home Office-run hotel, calling on the British government to act immediately, reports the Guardian newspaper.

A UK-based whistleblower has revealed children seeking asylum being subjected to racial abuse and assault at a Home Office-run hotel, calling on the British government to act immediately, reports the Guardian newspaper. According to reports, the whistleblower, who worked at the hotel in Brighton for over a year, scores of children who arrived in the UK without parents or a carer suffered “emotional abuse” and were later driven onto the streets and joined criminal gangs. The revelation comes a week after an investigation by the Observer newspaper revealed that dozens of youngsters were kidnapped by gangs from the same hotel, prompting calls for a public inquiry. The report said that more than 200 children are missing from the hotels managed by the Home Office. A week after the report, another whistleblower came forward and claimed that some more children in the Brighton hotel are being threatened. “I heard staff threatening to throw children out of the window and joking about them going missing,” the whistleblower told the Observer. He further said that despite flagging the inappropriate staff behaviour, no action was taken by the Brighton hotel, one of seven run by the Home Office. “There was a lot of xenophobic stuff, like: ‘Fuck off back to your country.’ Somebody heard one senior staff member calling a child a ‘fucking terrorist’.” He added that staff would regularly talk about children being abducted from nearby streets and that the targeting of youngsters was common knowledge. The Sussex police have been apprised of the matter and have started investigating a potential trafficking case after three children got into a car outside the Brighton hotel. According to reports, the car was driven towards London before police intercepted it. However, Home Office sources maintained they have no evidence of children being kidnapped, reports Guardian. Responding to these reports, a Home Office spokesperson denied that the children are being kidnapped. “We have not received any complaints in relation to these claims. The wellbeing of children in our care is an absolute priority. Robust safeguards are in place to ensure they are safe and supported as we seek urgent placements with a local authority. When issues do arise, we take complaints extremely seriously and they are acted upon quickly.” “In October, the independent immigration watchdog found young people in hotel accommodation unanimously reported feeling safe, happy and treated with respect,” the spokesperson was quoted as saying by the Guardian. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Children asylum seekers in UK govt-run hotel racially abused, sold to criminal gangs: Report

A former commander and Russia's Wagner Private Military Company has fled to Norway and is now seeking asylum in the country. This comes amid reports of the execution of those fighters who refused to participate in the war in Ukraine.

Member of Russia's private military seeks asylum in Norway

Andrey Medvedev, a former member of Russian mercenary group Wagner who fought in Ukraine says he staged a dramatic escape to Norway, where he is seeking asylum.

Alleged member of Russia's mercenary group seeks asylum in Norway

The High Court in London has ruled the British government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is legal. Watch this video to know more.

UK plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda is legal, rules high court

Despite some of them having been granted asylum in other nations, the Tajikistani authorities are apparently gathering up Afghan refugees and forcing them to cross the border back into Afghanistan.&nbsp;

According to reports from Tajikistan's 10,000-strong Afghan refugee community, recent round-ups of Afghan families who have sought asylum in the nation since the Taliban's takeover in August 2021 have resulted in people being picked up off the street and homes being searched.&nbsp;

The Tajikistani government has been urged to halt the forced deportations by the UNHCR, the UN organisation for refugees. It is unclear why they are doing this or what their strategy is; up until a few weeks ago, the Tajikistani government was working with the UNHCR to house and resettle Afghans who were escaping the rule of the Taliban.

While statistics on recent Tajikistan deportations are not yet available, the UN has documented a case of five Afghans being forced to return on August 23. In spite of UNHCR's efforts to stop the deportations, they included "a family consisting of three children and their mother, [and] were deported to Afghanistan through the Panji Poyon border gate in southern Tajikistan," the UN agency said.&nbsp;

According to Afghans in Tajikistan who spoke to the Guardian, the number of people being forcibly deported back into Afghanistan amounts in the hundreds, and the number of forced deportations has been rising over the previous two weeks. They claimed that many Afghan refugees were being sent back without passports or other forms of identification, leaving them on their own and unable to travel to a place of safety.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/infographic-climate-crisis-has-driven-world-on-brink-of-five-disastrous-tipping-points-514540">Infographic: Climate crisis has driven world on brink of five ‘disastrous’ tipping points</a>

No one in Samira's family has dared to leave their apartment in a small village in northern Tajikistan for nearly a week. Her kids haven't gone to school, and they don't feel secure enough to go buy food or necessities for their health.&nbsp;

Samira is terrified of the deportations even though she and her family are also just about to immigrate to Canada. Her biggest concern is for her kids, who have already been through a great deal of trauma. “The refugee life has been hard on children. They deserved a better future,” she said.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Despite some of them having been granted asylum in other nations, the Tajikistani authorities are apparently gathering up Afghan refugees and forcing them to cross the border back into Afghanistan.

Despite some of them having been granted asylum in other nations, the Tajikistani authorities are apparently gathering up Afghan refugees and forcing them to cross the border back into Afghanistan. According to reports from Tajikistan's 10,000-strong Afghan refugee community, recent round-ups of Afghan families who have sought asylum in the nation since the Taliban's takeover in August 2021 have resulted in people being picked up off the street and homes being searched. The Tajikistani government has been urged to halt the forced deportations by the UNHCR, the UN organisation for refugees. It is unclear why they are doing this or what their strategy is; up until a few weeks ago, the Tajikistani government was working with the UNHCR to house and resettle Afghans who were escaping the rule of the Taliban. While statistics on recent Tajikistan deportations are not yet available, the UN has documented a case of five Afghans being forced to return on August 23. In spite of UNHCR's efforts to stop the deportations, they included "a family consisting of three children and their mother, [and] were deported to Afghanistan through the Panji Poyon border gate in southern Tajikistan," the UN agency said. According to Afghans in Tajikistan who spoke to the Guardian, the number of people being forcibly deported back into Afghanistan amounts in the hundreds, and the number of forced deportations has been rising over the previous two weeks. They claimed that many Afghan refugees were being sent back without passports or other forms of identification, leaving them on their own and unable to travel to a place of safety. Also Read: Infographic: Climate crisis has driven world on brink of five ‘disastrous’ tipping points No one in Samira's family has dared to leave their apartment in a small village in northern Tajikistan for nearly a week. Her kids haven't gone to school, and they don't feel secure enough to go buy food or necessities for their health. Samira is terrified of the deportations even though she and her family are also just about to immigrate to Canada. Her biggest concern is for her kids, who have already been through a great deal of trauma. “The refugee life has been hard on children. They deserved a better future,” she said. (with inputs from agencies)

Tajikistan ‘deporting Afghan refugees’ despite being granted asylum in other countries

Thousands of undocumented migrants are struggling to find a home in France. Undocumented Asylum seekers in France have no right to work. WION tells you more in this report.

Asylum seekers in France struggle to receive residence permit

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has defended his country's controversial plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda despite facing widespread criticism from international human rights groups.

Despite backlash, UK PM Boris Johnson defends British migration policy

In a latest update on Rwanda asylum flight, the first flight scheduled from the UK to Rwanda has been cancelled after the European court of human rights issued a ruling to stop the deportation.

Legal headwinds for UK's migrant flight to Rwanda

U.K. is dumping asylum seekers in Rwanda, a country that has gone from one conflict to another, and is 'invading' D.R.Congo. Why does Boris Johnson still think Rwanda is a perfect place for people to start a new and better life? Palki Sharma Upadhyay brings you a report.

Gravitas: Why is U.K. dumping asylum-seekers in Rwanda?

In pics: Rwanda asylum flight cancelled after legal action

Britain's government overcame a legal challenge to its controversial policy to begin deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda as the High Court dismissed campaigners' attempts to win an injunction and said the first flight could leave next week.

'Move to thwart people trafficking,' UK's Rwanda asylum plan faces last-gasp challenge

The UK has decided to deport asylum-seekers to Rwanda. The UNHCR has accused the UK of being dishonest. The UN body is concerned about the rights of people in Rwanda.

UK's deportation plan gets High Court's green light

UK’s foreign minister announced a new scheme for the relocation of asylum-seekers. The new scheme would allow the UK to relocate asylum-seekers to Rwanda. "This will see some of those arriving illegally in the UK, such as those crossing the Channel in dangerous small boats, relocated to Rwanda, to resettle and to rebuild their lives," UK foreign minister Priti Patel said. UK PM Boris Johnson called the scheme an ‘innovative approach’. UNHCR expressed ‘strong opposition and concerns over the move.

Why is Boris Johnson govt sending asylum seekers from UK to Rwanda?

Asylum seekers are being held up in immigrations cells in Australia for more than 689 days on average, a report from a prominent non-governmental organisation (NGO) has revealed, calling on the government to end the “harsh and unlawful policy.”

The spotlight on Australia’s detention policies emerged after Serbian Tennis star Novak Djokovic was put in detention hotel

There are eight people who have now spent more than 10 years in Australian immigration detention, and 117 have been detained for longer than five years, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

According to the home affairs department, about 1,459 people are being held currently at immigration facilities in Australia, including more than 70 refugees and asylum seekers transferred from Nauru and Manus Island, reported The Independent.

Under Canberra's hardline immigration policy, asylum seekers, including children, who try to reach Australia by boat are sent to offshore detention centres in Papua New Guinea and Nauru, where they are held indefinitely while refugee applications are processed.

They are blocked from being resettled in Australia even if found to be genuine refugees.

Canberra justifies its severe policies saying that they serve as deterrence to discourage people from seeking asylum in Australia. It says “stopping the boats” has also helped prevent deaths at sea.

The average length of detention increased to 689 days, vastly longer than comparable countries like the United States and Canada, where the averages are 55 days and 14 days respectively, HRW says.

"These statistics show how completely alone Australia is among like-minded countries, in terms of the indefinite detention of asylum seekers and refugees for years on end," HRW Australia researcher Sophie McNeill told the BBC.

"Under international law, immigration detention should not be used as punishment, but rather should be an exceptional measure of last resort to carry out a legitimate aim," she said.

Since 2013, Australia has detained all asylum seekers who try to arrive on its shores via boat, pledging that they will never be allowed to live permanently in the country - even if they are found to be a legitimate refugee.

(With inputs from agencies)

Asylum seekers are being held up in immigrations cells in Australia for more than 689 days on average, a report from a prominent non-governmental organisation (NGO) has revealed, calling on the government to end the “harsh and unlawful policy.

Asylum seekers are being held up in immigrations cells in Australia for more than 689 days on average, a report from a prominent non-governmental organisation (NGO) has revealed, calling on the government to end the “harsh and unlawful policy.” The spotlight on Australia’s detention policies emerged after Serbian Tennis star Novak Djokovic was put in detention hotel There are eight people who have now spent more than 10 years in Australian immigration detention, and 117 have been detained for longer than five years, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). According to the home affairs department, about 1,459 people are being held currently at immigration facilities in Australia, including more than 70 refugees and asylum seekers transferred from Nauru and Manus Island, reported The Independent. Under Canberra's hardline immigration policy, asylum seekers, including children, who try to reach Australia by boat are sent to offshore detention centres in Papua New Guinea and Nauru, where they are held indefinitely while refugee applications are processed. They are blocked from being resettled in Australia even if found to be genuine refugees. Canberra justifies its severe policies saying that they serve as deterrence to discourage people from seeking asylum in Australia. It says “stopping the boats” has also helped prevent deaths at sea. The average length of detention increased to 689 days, vastly longer than comparable countries like the United States and Canada, where the averages are 55 days and 14 days respectively, HRW says. "These statistics show how completely alone Australia is among like-minded countries, in terms of the indefinite detention of asylum seekers and refugees for years on end," HRW Australia researcher Sophie McNeill told the BBC. "Under international law, immigration detention should not be used as punishment, but rather should be an exceptional measure of last resort to carry out a legitimate aim," she said. Since 2013, Australia has detained all asylum seekers who try to arrive on its shores via boat, pledging that they will never be allowed to live permanently in the country - even if they are found to be a legitimate refugee. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia detaining asylum seekers for record 689 days, says report

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, accused of espionage by the USA and held in Belmarsh Prison outside the British capital London, received a political asylum offer from Mexico.

Mexico offers political asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange

Germany has received more asylum applications in 2021. The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) reported that it had received 100,278 initial applications by the end of September.

Germany receives more asylum applications in first 9 months of 2021

More than 31 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Amnesty and European Network Against Racism have targetted European Union for what they are the efforts to turn migrant database into a mass surveillance tool through proposed changes. The campaigners for the NGOs made the charge in an open letter to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs).

The NGOs have urged the EU to rethink overhaul of the Eurodac database of asylum seekers’ fingerprints. In a decision taken in 2018, the database was expanded to include passport or ID card details, facial images as well as fingerprints. This would also enable the officials to take fingerprints of children as young as 6. The previous age limit was 14.

The changes are yet to be implemented as the draft resolution is frozen pending agreement on reformation of centerpiece of EU asylum law.

The NGOs have said that use of facial imaging was “intrusive, disproportionate and privacy invasive". They said that the people on the move deserved the same level of protection as anyone else.

"...EU should not take advantage of their vulnerable situation to subject them to mass surveillance and undignified treatment.” they said.

The NGO's also lashed out at the practice of fingerprinting children

“Taking and retaining the biometric data of children for non protection related purposes is a seriously invasive and unjustified infringement on the rights of the child,” says the letter

Fingerprint database Eurodac was made in 2000 to deter asylum seekers from making multiple asylum requests

Under existing EU laws, asylum seekers are required to seek asylum in the first country they arrive in. This puts pressure on southern European countries.

More than 31 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Amnesty and European Network Against Racism have targetted European Union for what they are the efforts to turn migrant database into a mass surveillance tool through proposed changes.

More than 31 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Amnesty and European Network Against Racism have targetted European Union for what they are the efforts to turn migrant database into a mass surveillance tool through proposed changes. The campaigners for the NGOs made the charge in an open letter to Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The NGOs have urged the EU to rethink overhaul of the Eurodac database of asylum seekers’ fingerprints. In a decision taken in 2018, the database was expanded to include passport or ID card details, facial images as well as fingerprints. This would also enable the officials to take fingerprints of children as young as 6. The previous age limit was 14. The changes are yet to be implemented as the draft resolution is frozen pending agreement on reformation of centerpiece of EU asylum law. The NGOs have said that use of facial imaging was “intrusive, disproportionate and privacy invasive". They said that the people on the move deserved the same level of protection as anyone else. "...EU should not take advantage of their vulnerable situation to subject them to mass surveillance and undignified treatment.” they said. The NGO's also lashed out at the practice of fingerprinting children “Taking and retaining the biometric data of children for non protection related purposes is a seriously invasive and unjustified infringement on the rights of the child,” says the letter Fingerprint database Eurodac was made in 2000 to deter asylum seekers from making multiple asylum requests Under existing EU laws, asylum seekers are required to seek asylum in the first country they arrive in. This puts pressure on southern European countries.

EU seeking to develop migrant database into surveillance tool: NGOs

Chinese citizens are fleeing Chinese President Xi Jinping's rule. Since Xi Jinping took power at the end of 2012, more than 600,000 Chinese citizens have applied for asylum in another country. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Chinese citizens are fleeing Xi Jinping's rule

UK ministers will be revealing proposals for a suite of new laws paving the way for offshore centres for asylum seekers and criminal charges for migrants who have 'knowingly' arrived in the UK without permission.

The nationality and borders bill has been described by the Home Office as containing “the most radical changes to the broken asylum system in decades”. This makes it harder for those who enter illegally to stay in the UK.

As per home secretary, Priti Patel, it is a part of her mission to crack down on 'vile criminals' who run smuggling operations across the channel.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-lambda-variant-may-be-more-resistant-to-vaccines-than-other-strains-396116">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Lambda variant may be more resistant to vaccines than other strains</a>

If the laws are passed, people-smuggling will have to go through tougher sentencing, up to life imprisonment.

Patel further said that she is going to make it easier to remove migrants who have arrived in the country unlawfully. Also, with the passing of these laws, it will be easier to punish countries that refuse to take back their citizens with a new 'power to control visa availability' for legal entrants to the UK.

The plans will also provide the removal of asylum seekers to offshore centres where they can be housed while their claims, or appeals, are being processed.

The Guardian quoted&nbsp;Patel saying, "For too long, our broken asylum system has lined the pockets of the vile criminal gangs who cheat the system. This isn’t fair to the vulnerable people who need protection or the British public who pay for it. It’s time to act".&nbsp;

She added, “This legislation delivers on what the British people have voted for time and time again – for the UK to take full control of its borders. It paves the way for a fair but firm system that will break the business model of the gangs that facilitate dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK while speeding up the removal of those with no right to be here".&nbsp;

UK ministers will be revealing proposals for a suite of new laws paving the way for offshore centres for asylum seekers and criminal charges for migrants who have 'knowingly' arrived in the UK without permission.

UK ministers will be revealing proposals for a suite of new laws paving the way for offshore centres for asylum seekers and criminal charges for migrants who have 'knowingly' arrived in the UK without permission. The nationality and borders bill has been described by the Home Office as containing “the most radical changes to the broken asylum system in decades”. This makes it harder for those who enter illegally to stay in the UK. As per home secretary, Priti Patel, it is a part of her mission to crack down on 'vile criminals' who run smuggling operations across the channel. Also read | COVID-19: Lambda variant may be more resistant to vaccines than other strains If the laws are passed, people-smuggling will have to go through tougher sentencing, up to life imprisonment. Patel further said that she is going to make it easier to remove migrants who have arrived in the country unlawfully. Also, with the passing of these laws, it will be easier to punish countries that refuse to take back their citizens with a new 'power to control visa availability' for legal entrants to the UK. The plans will also provide the removal of asylum seekers to offshore centres where they can be housed while their claims, or appeals, are being processed. The Guardian quoted Patel saying, "For too long, our broken asylum system has lined the pockets of the vile criminal gangs who cheat the system. This isn’t fair to the vulnerable people who need protection or the British public who pay for it. It’s time to act". She added, “This legislation delivers on what the British people have voted for time and time again – for the UK to take full control of its borders. It paves the way for a fair but firm system that will break the business model of the gangs that facilitate dangerous and illegal journeys to the UK while speeding up the removal of those with no right to be here".

UK ministers to reveal proposals for offshore centres for asylum seekers

China on Thursday accused Britain of sheltering "wanted criminals" after prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law said he had been granted political asylum there.

London and Beijing are at bitter odds over the fate of Hong Kong, with Britain accusing China of tearing up its promise to maintain key liberties in the former colony for 50 years after the handover.

Law said Wednesday he had been granted asylum in Britain, after fleeing semi-autonomous Hong Kong following the introduction of sweeping new security law.

That provoked an angry response in Beijing.&nbsp;

"The UK is clearly a platform for Hong Kong independence agitators, and provides so-called shelter for wanted criminals," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters.

Describing Law as a "criminal suspect", Zhao called the move "gross interference" in Hong Kong's judiciary.

"The UK should immediately correct its mistake, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs," he added.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab hit back in a tweet later Thursday, saying Britain "has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it".

He also confirmed that Law was granted asylum.

Law, a 27-year-old former Hong Kong lawmaker and student activist, fled to Britain in July 2020 in the weeks after the national security law -- opposed by democracy protesters -- was imposed.

Law wrote on Twitter that he had been granted asylum after several interviews over a period of four months.

"The fact that I am wanted under the National Security Law shows that I am exposed to severe political persecution and am unlikely to return to Hong Kong without risk," he wrote.

The activist highlighted the plight of other asylum seekers from Hong Kong in Britain who might not have the same weight of evidence behind their claims.

"I hope that my case can help the Home Office understand more about the complicated situation in Hong Kong," he added.

"To free more protesters from Beijing's authoritarian oppression, the Home Office could consider more comprehensive evidence."

- Strained ties -

The fate of potentially millions of Hong Kongers who Britain has offered an escape route has become a point of bitter diplomatic contention between Beijing and London, which ceded the former colony in 1997.

China said earlier this year it will not recognise the British National (Overseas) passport for Hong Kongers because of a new visa scheme introduced in January offering a pathway to full British citizenship for those who want to leave the territory.

Beijing and London have in recent weeks also clashed over Chinese sanctions against four British entities and nine individuals including lawmakers that have spoken out in defence of China's Uyghur Muslim minority.

Britain has condemned sweeping electoral reforms approved by Beijing last month, which are expected to further reduce the small number of democratically elected lawmakers in Hong Kong.

Candidates for public office will have their entire history vetted as Beijing seeks to ensure "patriots" run the city.

Nine veteran activists were convicted by a local court earlier this week of organising one of Hong Kong's biggest peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2019.

Last year Britain protested jail terms handed to three leading activists from the pro-democracy party Demosisto, which Law co-founded.&nbsp;

The party disbanded on the same day China's new security legislation was imposed in Hong Kong.

In exile, Law has continued to champion the cause of pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong on social media.

Last month he hit out at mass trials of activists in Hong Kong, saying they showed "the Chinese Communist party nakedly abuses its powers and uses the courts to demonstrate that power".

China on Thursday accused Britain of sheltering "wanted criminals" after prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law said he had been granted political asylum there.

China on Thursday accused Britain of sheltering "wanted criminals" after prominent Hong Kong democracy activist Nathan Law said he had been granted political asylum there. London and Beijing are at bitter odds over the fate of Hong Kong, with Britain accusing China of tearing up its promise to maintain key liberties in the former colony for 50 years after the handover. Law said Wednesday he had been granted asylum in Britain, after fleeing semi-autonomous Hong Kong following the introduction of sweeping new security law. That provoked an angry response in Beijing. "The UK is clearly a platform for Hong Kong independence agitators, and provides so-called shelter for wanted criminals," foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told reporters. Describing Law as a "criminal suspect", Zhao called the move "gross interference" in Hong Kong's judiciary. "The UK should immediately correct its mistake, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs," he added. British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab hit back in a tweet later Thursday, saying Britain "has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it". He also confirmed that Law was granted asylum. Law, a 27-year-old former Hong Kong lawmaker and student activist, fled to Britain in July 2020 in the weeks after the national security law -- opposed by democracy protesters -- was imposed. Law wrote on Twitter that he had been granted asylum after several interviews over a period of four months. "The fact that I am wanted under the National Security Law shows that I am exposed to severe political persecution and am unlikely to return to Hong Kong without risk," he wrote. The activist highlighted the plight of other asylum seekers from Hong Kong in Britain who might not have the same weight of evidence behind their claims. "I hope that my case can help the Home Office understand more about the complicated situation in Hong Kong," he added. "To free more protesters from Beijing's authoritarian oppression, the Home Office could consider more comprehensive evidence." - Strained ties - The fate of potentially millions of Hong Kongers who Britain has offered an escape route has become a point of bitter diplomatic contention between Beijing and London, which ceded the former colony in 1997. China said earlier this year it will not recognise the British National (Overseas) passport for Hong Kongers because of a new visa scheme introduced in January offering a pathway to full British citizenship for those who want to leave the territory. Beijing and London have in recent weeks also clashed over Chinese sanctions against four British entities and nine individuals including lawmakers that have spoken out in defence of China's Uyghur Muslim minority. Britain has condemned sweeping electoral reforms approved by Beijing last month, which are expected to further reduce the small number of democratically elected lawmakers in Hong Kong. Candidates for public office will have their entire history vetted as Beijing seeks to ensure "patriots" run the city. Nine veteran activists were convicted by a local court earlier this week of organising one of Hong Kong's biggest peaceful pro-democracy protests in 2019. Last year Britain protested jail terms handed to three leading activists from the pro-democracy party Demosisto, which Law co-founded. The party disbanded on the same day China's new security legislation was imposed in Hong Kong. In exile, Law has continued to champion the cause of pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong on social media. Last month he hit out at mass trials of activists in Hong Kong, saying they showed "the Chinese Communist party nakedly abuses its powers and uses the courts to demonstrate that power".

China says the UK sheltering 'wanted criminals' after Hong Kong asylum ruling

Britain will introduce new rules for those seeking asylum, making it more difficult for refugees entering illegally to stay in the country, interior minister Priti Patel said on Wednesday, calling it a firm but fair system.&nbsp;

Since Britain completed its exit from the European Union at the end of last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been keen to set out a new independent vision for the country, unveiling new policies on defence, foreign affairs to immigration.&nbsp;

In what the government says is the biggest overhaul of the asylum system in decades, the 'New Plan for Immigration' sets out a plan to resettle refugees at urgent risk more quickly while making it more difficult for those arriving illegally.&nbsp;

"Under our New Plan for Immigration, if people arrive illegally, they will no longer have the same entitlements as those who arrive legally, and it will be harder for them to stay," Patel said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Profiteering from illegal migration to Britain will no longer be worth the risk, with new maximum life sentences for people smugglers ... I make no apology for these actions being firm, but as they will also save lives and target people smugglers, they are also undeniably fair."&nbsp;

She also said those arriving after travelling through a safe country, such as France would not have immediate entry into the system, and that the government 'would stop the most unscrupulous abusing the system by posing as children'.&nbsp;

Reducing immigration was one of the promises made by the Vote Leave campaign, for which Johnson was a figurehead, during the 2016 referendum on membership of the EU, and the government has said it would toughen up its post-Brexit asylum system.&nbsp;

But the main opposition Labour Party said the policy was defined by 'a lack of compassion', saying successive Conservative governments had failed the immigration system.&nbsp;

Charities have also criticised the proposals, saying they would create an unfair two-tiered system.&nbsp;

"This is inhumane,” British Red Cross chief executive Mike Adamson said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Britain will introduce new rules for those seeking asylum, making it more difficult for refugees entering illegally to stay in the country, interior minister Priti Patel said on Wednesday, calling it a firm but fair system.

Britain will introduce new rules for those seeking asylum, making it more difficult for refugees entering illegally to stay in the country, interior minister Priti Patel said on Wednesday, calling it a firm but fair system. Since Britain completed its exit from the European Union at the end of last year, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been keen to set out a new independent vision for the country, unveiling new policies on defence, foreign affairs to immigration. In what the government says is the biggest overhaul of the asylum system in decades, the 'New Plan for Immigration' sets out a plan to resettle refugees at urgent risk more quickly while making it more difficult for those arriving illegally. "Under our New Plan for Immigration, if people arrive illegally, they will no longer have the same entitlements as those who arrive legally, and it will be harder for them to stay," Patel said in a statement. "Profiteering from illegal migration to Britain will no longer be worth the risk, with new maximum life sentences for people smugglers ... I make no apology for these actions being firm, but as they will also save lives and target people smugglers, they are also undeniably fair." She also said those arriving after travelling through a safe country, such as France would not have immediate entry into the system, and that the government 'would stop the most unscrupulous abusing the system by posing as children'. Reducing immigration was one of the promises made by the Vote Leave campaign, for which Johnson was a figurehead, during the 2016 referendum on membership of the EU, and the government has said it would toughen up its post-Brexit asylum system. But the main opposition Labour Party said the policy was defined by 'a lack of compassion', saying successive Conservative governments had failed the immigration system. Charities have also criticised the proposals, saying they would create an unfair two-tiered system. "This is inhumane,” British Red Cross chief executive Mike Adamson said. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain toughens its post-Brexit asylum system 

US President Joe Biden is slated to order a major review of asylum processing at its border with Mexico, and the legal immigration system as he seeks to undo some of former president Donald Trump's hard-line policies. He on Tuesday will also sign a series of executive orders overhauling the US immigration process, signalling a return to a more inclusive policy.

The Democratic president will&nbsp;create a task force to reunite migrant families who were separated at the US-Mexico border by Trump’s 2018 "zero tolerance" border strategy. He&nbsp;will also sign another executive order dealing with regional migration.

Biden's actions on Tuesday will follow six immigration orders he issued on his first day in office and will further jumpstart his ambitious pro-immigrant agenda that seeks to erase Trump's restrictive policies on legal and illegal immigration.

As part of the actions, he will call for a review of a Trump-era rule that made it harder for poorer immigrants to obtain permanent residency in the United States. He will also mandate a review of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), a controversial programme that pushed 65,000 asylum seekers back to Mexico to wait for US court hearings. Most returned to their home countries but some remained in a makeshift camp near the Mexican border.

The Biden administration has already stopped adding people to the programme but crucially it has not yet outlined how it will process the claims of those already enrolled.

Chad Wolf, former acting US Department of Homeland Security secretary under Trump, said in an interview that halting the MPP programme was a mistake because it had been an effective deterrent to illegal immigration.

Biden's review of Trump’s so-called “public charge” rule is expected to start the process to rescind it, according to two people familiar with the plan. The rule makes it harder for immigrants who are poor or need government help to secure residency and stay in the country.

It remains unclear whether Biden's executive orders on Tuesday will address two Trump proclamations that banned the issuance of many work and immigrant visas, which Trump had said would protect American jobs during the coronavirus pandemic.

The working group will examine ways to reunite the families, officials said, without specifying whether that could allow parents or children who had been deported to return to US soil.

A second executive order echoes a similar policy under the Barack Obama administration, putting in place legal mechanisms for prospective immigrants in their home countries to apply for residency, allowing them to avoid dangerous smuggling routes.

The third decree will promote the integration of migrants legally settled in the United States and make naturalization "more accessible to the more than nine million immigrants who are currently eligible to apply" for citizenship.

Most of the reforms will be led by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Biden has nominated Alejandro Mayorkas to the position, and the Senate will vote on his appointment midday Tuesday.

If confirmed, Mayorkas -- who arrived in the United States as an infant as the son of Cuban refugees -- will be the first Hispanic person to lead the Department of Homeland Security, a sprawling agency that oversees immigration issues, border police and emergency responses.

(with inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden is slated to order a major review of asylum processing at its border with Mexico, and the legal immigration system as he seeks to undo some of former president Donald Trump's hard-line policies.

US President Joe Biden is slated to order a major review of asylum processing at its border with Mexico, and the legal immigration system as he seeks to undo some of former president Donald Trump's hard-line policies. He on Tuesday will also sign a series of executive orders overhauling the US immigration process, signalling a return to a more inclusive policy. The Democratic president will create a task force to reunite migrant families who were separated at the US-Mexico border by Trump’s 2018 "zero tolerance" border strategy. He will also sign another executive order dealing with regional migration. Biden's actions on Tuesday will follow six immigration orders he issued on his first day in office and will further jumpstart his ambitious pro-immigrant agenda that seeks to erase Trump's restrictive policies on legal and illegal immigration. As part of the actions, he will call for a review of a Trump-era rule that made it harder for poorer immigrants to obtain permanent residency in the United States. He will also mandate a review of the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), a controversial programme that pushed 65,000 asylum seekers back to Mexico to wait for US court hearings. Most returned to their home countries but some remained in a makeshift camp near the Mexican border. The Biden administration has already stopped adding people to the programme but crucially it has not yet outlined how it will process the claims of those already enrolled. Chad Wolf, former acting US Department of Homeland Security secretary under Trump, said in an interview that halting the MPP programme was a mistake because it had been an effective deterrent to illegal immigration. Biden's review of Trump’s so-called “public charge” rule is expected to start the process to rescind it, according to two people familiar with the plan. The rule makes it harder for immigrants who are poor or need government help to secure residency and stay in the country. It remains unclear whether Biden's executive orders on Tuesday will address two Trump proclamations that banned the issuance of many work and immigrant visas, which Trump had said would protect American jobs during the coronavirus pandemic. The working group will examine ways to reunite the families, officials said, without specifying whether that could allow parents or children who had been deported to return to US soil. A second executive order echoes a similar policy under the Barack Obama administration, putting in place legal mechanisms for prospective immigrants in their home countries to apply for residency, allowing them to avoid dangerous smuggling routes. The third decree will promote the integration of migrants legally settled in the United States and make naturalization "more accessible to the more than nine million immigrants who are currently eligible to apply" for citizenship. Most of the reforms will be led by the Secretary of Homeland Security. Biden has nominated Alejandro Mayorkas to the position, and the Senate will vote on his appointment midday Tuesday. If confirmed, Mayorkas -- who arrived in the United States as an infant as the son of Cuban refugees -- will be the first Hispanic person to lead the Department of Homeland Security, a sprawling agency that oversees immigration issues, border police and emergency responses. (with inputs from agencies)

Biden to issue executive orders on asylum, legal immigration, separated families

As temperatures drop below freezing on Wednesday (December 18) in Ciudad Juarez, Mexican officials tried to move an encampment of migrant asylum seekers - including around 200 young children - to shelters.

Mexican children shiver in tents at US border as temperature freezes

The founder of one of Pakistan's main political party Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) previously known as Muhajir Qaumi Movement, Altaf Hussain has pleaded to Modi to grant him and his colleague's asylum in India.

The MQM founder also sought financial assistance from the Indian prime minister.

Hussain has been living in exile in the UK since the launch of 'Operation Clean Up' that had been launched by the then Pakistani Government in 1992 targeting Muttahida Qaumi Movement.

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Watch | Exiled <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> leader and founder of MQM, Altaf Hussain, seeks asylum in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/AltafHussain_90?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AltafHussain_90</a> <a href="https://t.co/iNL2dV6VV9">pic.twitter.com/iNL2dV6VV9</a>
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He is due to stand trial in June 2020 and passport remains with the UK police.

Hussain was charged by the UK's crown prosecution services for encouraging terrorism through a speech relayed to his followers in Pakistan in 2016.

In a video speech recorded by Hussain after London police relaxed his bail conditions, he turned towards Modi for help.

The MQM leader said he would like to travel to India because his grandparents are buried there.

Hussain alleged that his assets, house, and offices were taken over in Karachi leaving him with no means to “fight for justice” against the Pakistani regime.&nbsp;

MQM and its leader Altaf Hussain decided to boycott elections in 2018 due to military intervention in political affairs, &nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Promising that he would not interfere in any politics, Hussian has said that he welcomed the supreme court verdict in the Ayodhya case.

The founder of one of Pakistan's main political party Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) previously known as Muhajir Qaumi Movement, Altaf Hussain has pleaded to Modi to grant him and his colleague's asylum in India.

The founder of one of Pakistan's main political party Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) previously known as Muhajir Qaumi Movement, Altaf Hussain has pleaded to Modi to grant him and his colleague's asylum in India. The MQM founder also sought financial assistance from the Indian prime minister. Hussain has been living in exile in the UK since the launch of 'Operation Clean Up' that had been launched by the then Pakistani Government in 1992 targeting Muttahida Qaumi Movement. Watch | Exiled #Pakistan leader and founder of MQM, Altaf Hussain, seeks asylum in #India. @AltafHussain_90 pic.twitter.com/iNL2dV6VV9 — WION (@WIONews) November 18, 2019 × He is due to stand trial in June 2020 and passport remains with the UK police. Hussain was charged by the UK's crown prosecution services for encouraging terrorism through a speech relayed to his followers in Pakistan in 2016. In a video speech recorded by Hussain after London police relaxed his bail conditions, he turned towards Modi for help. The MQM leader said he would like to travel to India because his grandparents are buried there. Hussain alleged that his assets, house, and offices were taken over in Karachi leaving him with no means to “fight for justice” against the Pakistani regime. MQM and its leader Altaf Hussain decided to boycott elections in 2018 due to military intervention in political affairs, Promising that he would not interfere in any politics, Hussian has said that he welcomed the supreme court verdict in the Ayodhya case.

Muttahida Quami Movement founder Altaf Hussain seeks asylum in India

Pakistan leader Altaf Hussain requests Modi for Asylum. To know more watch the video

Pakistan Leader Altaf Hussain seeks Asylum in India

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