A migrant from Kurdistan, Omar, recently shared his harrowing journey of paying a smuggling gang to transport him back to France from the UK, out of fear of being deported to Rwanda.
Omar, who had left Kurdistan two years ago by paying a substantial amount to reach the UK, expressed his disappointment with his experience in Britain and his decision to return back to France.
In an interview with Sky News from a migrant camp in northern France, the 52-year-old emphasized his anxiety about facing deportation to Rwanda or Iraq if caught. “They could arrest me and send me to Rwanda or Iraq. Rwanda – I cannot go there,” he recounted.
A smuggler lamented the decreasing number of Kurdish customers due to the Government’s asylum scheme with Rwanda acting as a deterrent for potential migrants.
“These are the last Kurdish customers I have. There are no more,” the smuggler mentioned when pressed for reasons.
The footage by Sky News coincided with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer’s criticism of the Rwanda deportation scheme, calling it an “absolute waste of money” and a mere “gimmick.” Sir Keir pledged to terminate the scheme promptly if he takes office, advocating for a more effective solution to address migrant crossings via small boats.
Echoing Omar’s sentiments, other migrants, including Barzan and Karwan from Kurdistan, expressed mixed views about the UK’s deportation threats to Rwanda. Barzan noted, “People won’t stop, whatever you tell them. Even if you tell them they will be taken to Africa, they would still go without hesitation.” Meanwhile, Karwan dismissed the deportation scheme as a joke, emphasizing the allure of work opportunities and a stronger currency in Britain.
The report highlighted Omar’s struggles during his 20-month stay in Britain, including health issues, asylum rejection, and unsatisfactory living conditions. Despite facing challenges upon his return to France, Omar reflected on the tough decisions forced by his circumstances, stating, “It’s a terrible feeling to be back here, but what can I do?”
