6 days ago
Rwanda hostel spruced up with £20m of Brit taxpayer cash to receive first deportees — from America
THE Rwanda hostel spruced up with £20million of British taxpayers' money to house our unwanted migrants is to receive its first deportees — from America.
Rwanda is taking in 250 migrants thrown out of the US under Donald Trump's mass removal programme.
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Some will enjoy hotel-quality facilities at Hope Hostel, which was readied under the then-Tory government's deportation scheme last summer.
The £700million plan was ditched when Labour won the election.
Trump is now pushing ahead with his scheme.
A Hope Hostel source told The Sun yesterday: 'We are always ready to provide the best services to the customers.'
Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo confirmed those arriving in the country would be given support.
She added: 'Under the agreement, Rwanda has the ability to approve each individual proposed for resettlement.
'Those approved will be provided with workforce training, healthcare and accommodation support to jump-start their lives in Rwanda.'
The initial agreement — signed last month — is for 250 people but can be extended if both countries agree. Britain signed its agreement in 2022.
Four UK arrivals were sent to Rwanda but that was under a separate voluntary scheme and did not involve their moving into Hope Hostel.
Ismael Bakina, boss of the private operator of the hostel, said the US arrivals would be surprised at the quality of the services offered, adding: 'This is not a prison or a detention centre.'
I visited Rwanda's £20m 'migrant hotel' where UK asylum seekers will stay – it's got Premier League on TV & footie pitch
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