Botswana has declined a request from the UK to accommodate deported illegal migrants, according to the Southern African country’s Foreign Minister Lemogang Kwape.
“I can confirm that the British government approached Botswana through diplomatic channels to receive illegal migrants destined for the United Kingdom, but we did not agree to their request,” Kwape told Newzroom Afrika in an interview on Tuesday.
Kwape cited Botswana’s existing challenges, particularly with immigration, in its region. “So, receiving unwanted immigrants from another country while we are grappling with our own regional issues would be unjust,” he explained.
He stressed that Botswana cannot accept illegal migrants from a third country.
Botswana is already home to immigrants from neighboring countries such as Zimbabwe, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“It’s evident that the British government does not want these individuals in their country, hence their attempt to transport them to a distant destination,” Kwape added.
The UK parliament recently passed a bill that allows for the deportation of illegal migrants to Rwanda, despite criticism from human rights groups, politicians, and the UN.
Following the bill’s passage earlier this week, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak stated that the focus is now on initiating flights.
He mentioned that the Rwanda Bill aims to discourage vulnerable migrants from undertaking dangerous journeys and disrupt the criminal gangs exploiting them.
