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Migrant flights to Rwanda could be coordinated from near Bristol
A nondescript building near Bristol looks likely to become a base for a Home Office team responsible for the highly controversial government policy of sending UK asylum seekers to Rwanda.
The newly created Illegal Migration Operations Command (IMOC) will work within the parameters of the Illegal Migration Act, legislation for which was finally passed on April 22.
The new act changes the law so that those who arrive in the UK “illegally” will not be able to stay “and will instead be detained and then promptly removed, either to their home country or a safe third country” – which could see “multiple flights a month” to Rwanda according to prime minister Rishi Sunak.
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Several “exciting roles” are currently being advertised to be based at the IMOC’s office in Portishead, the exact location Bristol24/7 has been asked not to reveal for security reasons but remains on the Home Office’s jobs website.
One job advert says that the IMOC “will work across the Migration and Borders system and the Home Office to implement and then operate the processes within the new Illegal Migration Act”.
“This role is within the new end to end case working function called Illegal Migration, Relocation & Returns Service which is currently being established.
“The casework command will be responsible for managing the cases of individuals who fall under the duty to remove, from point of claim to their relocation to a safe third country, the country of which they are a national, or one for which they hold a passport/identity document.
“It involves ensuring that we have the most effective systems to progress both cases in detention and those released into the community awaiting relocation or removal; removing legal barriers; that we continue to evolve our response to ensure it is digitised, efficient and continue to drive innovation.
“This is an exciting time to join the unit which will be operational in line with the anticipated commencement of the Act.”
Bristol24/7 asked the Home Office if Bristol Airport is being planned to be used for flights to Rwanda.
A Home Office spokesperson replied: “Now that the Safety of Rwanda Act has passed and our Treaty with Rwanda has been ratified, Government is entering the final phase of operationalising this landmark policy to tackle illegal migration and stop the boats.
“It would be inappropriate to comment further on operational activity.”
Main photo: Alder King
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