UK asylum seekers hide to avoid being sent to Rwanda

Aid agencies in Britain say some asylum seekers have gone into hiding for fear of being sent to Rwanda, from where they will be resettled.

Under the partnership between the United Kingdom and Rwanda that was signed last month, people who cross into the UK illegally will be transferred to Rwanda, where their paperwork will be processed.

The British Red Cross and the Refugee Council have warned that the threat of transfer to Africa has seen some of the asylum seekers disappear from hotels, while others resort to self-harm, including attempted suicide.

The agencies accuse the UK government of a breach of the duty of care as some asylum seekers have declined to seek medical and mental healthcare for fear they would be enrolled in the programme.

The agencies report came a day after Britain said the first asylum seekers to be moved to Rwanda would be informed this week, with the first flights expected in the coming months.

The deal made public on April 14 continues to raise dust and, despite attempts by the UK and Rwanda to reassure critics that the policy seeks to save lives and deter human trafficking.

Read:Challenges that dog UK asylum seekers deal with Rwanda

Also read:Rwanda excludes EA refugees from UK deal