Migrant deportations loom after parliament passes UK-Rwanda plan

Migrants picked up at sea attempting to cross the English Channel from France, disembark from Border Force vessel 'Defender' after arriving at the Marina in Dover, southeast England, on January 17, 2024. [AFP]

The UK readied on Tuesday to start detaining migrants within days for deportation to Rwanda after the controversial plan got parliament's approval, sparking outrage from the UN and rights groups.

The new legislation -- a flagship policy of the Conservative government that aims to curb irregular cross-Channel migration from northern France -- cleared its final hurdle after a marathon late-night parliamentary tussle on Monday.