© AFP
The UK has already paid Rwanda 120 million pounds (more than 140 million euros) to take in the migrants, although the controversial deal between the two countries has stalled due to legal objections.
source: BELGA
Government officials in the East African country confirmed they had received the full initial payment for the agreement signed in April.
Last month, Downing Street admitted that money had been paid, but declined to say how much and when, saying the information was “confidential”.
The first deportation flight was halted in June after a series of legal objections and another attempt is not planned yet.
When asked by reporters how much the UK had already paid, Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande McCullough said: “There was an initial transfer of £120m. That amount has already been paid and we are using the money to prepare.”
She also said that Rwanda remained “committed” to this cooperation.
Several asylum seekers, the Federation of Public and Commercial Services (PCS), and charities Care4Calais, Detention Action and Asylum Aid are challenging the legality of the Home Office deal; Next court sessions are scheduled for September and October.
Due to ongoing lawsuits, it is suggested here and there that a new flight will only be possible in winter.
Some migrants deported from Rwanda have already been released from asylum centers because no further trip is planned yet.
Earlier this week, the House of Commons Home Affairs Committee ruled there was “no evidence” the measure would create a deterrent effect.
More than 1,000 migrants have crossed the canal since Home Secretary Priti Patel signed the deal.
