International court rejects Rwanda’s claim over UK migration deal

An international court has rejected Rwanda's claim for over $134 million in compensation from the United Kingdom regarding a scrapped migrant deportation deal. The Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that diplomatic exchanges after the UK cancelled the agreement in 2024 meant the payments, which Rwanda argued were due in April 2025 and April 2026, would not be made. The tribunal also dismissed further Rwandan claims of breaches to the partnership agreement. This ruling is seen as a setback for other governments seeking similar "return hub" arrangements. The UK government stated it successfully defended its position and is focused on border reforms.

An international court of arbitration has ruled that the UK is not obligated to pay Rwanda over £100 million for a failed migrant deportation scheme. Rwanda had sued the UK government, claiming breach of agreement and seeking outstanding payments for the scheme, which was established by Boris Johnson's administration in 2022. The scheme, intended to send asylum seekers arriving by irregular means to Rwanda, faced legal challenges and was ultimately scrapped by the Labour government in 2024. The court rejected Rwanda's claims for two annual payments of £50 million, finding the UK not liable for these costs. Lawyers for the UK argued it was logical for the plan to be discontinued following the change in government.