Britain's High Court said on Wednesday that the government's controversial plan to send migrants to Rwanda is illegal, dealing a major blow to a key policy of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government that has drawn international attention and criticism.
Five judges at the country's top court said the asylum seekers would be "at risk" because they could return to their countries after being deported to Rwanda.
Britain and Rwanda signed a deal in April 2022 to send some migrants arriving in the UK through the English Channel to the East African country, where their asylum claims would be processed and, if successful, they would stay there .
The British government argues that Rwanda's policy will prevent people from risking their lives crossing one of the world's busiest transport lanes and crack down on people-smuggling.
Opposition politicians, refugee groups and human rights organizations say the plan is unethical and unworkable.