Germany is considering sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, weeks after the UK ditched its own plan to deport migrants to the African nation. The move has sparked controversy and raised questions about the effectiveness of such policies.

The idea was floated by Joachim Stamp, Germany’s migration commissioner, who suggested that the country could utilize facilities funded by the UK that were originally intended for migrants deported from Britain under the now-scrapped scheme.

The proposal comes as Germany faces increasing pressure to tackle illegal migration. In recent months, the country has seen a surge in arrivals, particularly from Russia and Belarus, with some politicians arguing that these migrants are being used as a weapon in a “hybrid warfare” campaign by the Russian and Belarusian governments.

However, the idea of sending asylum seekers to Rwanda has been met with skepticism, even from within Germany’s own government. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has previously expressed doubts about the legality and practicality of processing asylum applications abroad, and The German ambassador to the UK, Miguel Berger, has categorically denied that there is any plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.

“Let’s be clear, there is no plan of the German Government to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda,” Berger said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The discussion is about processing asylum applications in third countries under international humanitarian law and with support of the United Nations.”

Despite the skepticism, Stamp argues that Rwanda is a viable option for processing asylum applications, particularly for those arriving via the EU’s eastern borders.

“We currently have no third country that has come forward, with the exception of Rwanda,” he said on a podcast by Table Media. “My suggestion would be that we concentrate on this group – it’s about 10,000 people a year.”

The UK’s original plan to send migrants to Rwanda was scrapped by the new Labour government in July, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calling it a “gimmick” that would not work.

“The Germans have already cleared up that they’re not using the Rwanda plan, and that’s because they’ve concluded, like we have, that it won’t work,” Starmer said to the BBC. “We’re going to concentrate on what works. That means taking down the gangs that are running this trade.”

However, The UK’s Conservative opposition has seized on the German proposal, arguing that it proves the Rwanda plan was a good idea and that the Labour government has made a mistake by abandoning it.

“Labour’s first move in government was to scrap the Rwanda plan. Now Germany wants to use the facilities we built,” said James Cleverly, the Conservative shadow home secretary. “The only people who benefit from Labour’s reckless immigration policies are people-smugglers and the EU.”

The Rwanda scheme was intended to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel in small boats by threatening them with deportation to Rwanda, where they would be processed and potentially granted asylum. However, the scheme was met with legal challenges and was never implemented.

The Rwanda Scheme: A Controversial Policy

The UK’s Rwanda scheme was highly controversial, with critics arguing that it was inhumane and ineffective. The UN Refugee Agency called the plan “a breach of international law,” and the Rwandan government has also expressed concerns about the scheme, arguing that it could be used as a way to get rid of unwanted migrants.

Germany's Approach: Processing, Not Deportation

Germany’s proposal differs from the UK’s in that it would only see asylum seekers sent to Rwanda for processing, rather than deportation. This means that if their claim is successful, they would be able to remain in Germany. However, critics argue that this distinction is merely semantic and that the proposal still amounts to outsourcing the asylum process to a third country.

A Shift in European Migration Policy

The German proposal is part of a wider shift in European migration policy, with several countries moving away from open-door policies and toward a more restrictive approach. In Italy, for example, the new government of Giorgia Meloni has already seen a significant decrease in illegal migration after introducing a series of measures, including the opening of processing centers in Albania.

The Future of the Rwanda Scheme

It remains to be seen whether Germany will actually implement a scheme to send asylum seekers to Rwanda. The proposal faces opposition from within Germany’s government, and there are concerns about its legality and practicality.

However, the fact that Germany is even considering the option is a sign of the growing pressure on European governments to tackle illegal migration. It also highlights the potential for the UK’s abandoned Rwanda scheme to be resurrected by other countries.

Is This a Solution or a Gimmick?

The debate over the Rwanda scheme raises fundamental questions about the best way to manage migration. Is it a humane and effective solution, or simply a cynical gimmick designed to appease right-wing voters?

The answer to this question is complex and contested, and it is likely to remain a subject of debate for years to come.

The Future of Migration Policy

The debate over the Rwanda scheme is not just about the specific policy itself. It is also about the future of European migration policy and the balance between compassion and security. As the challenges of migration continue to grow, European governments will need to find solutions that are both humane and effective. The outcome of the German debate over sending asylum seekers to Rwanda will be closely watched by policymakers across Europe.