What is the Rwanda scheme? Everything you need to know about Rishi Sunak's ... trends now
The Home Office today detained the first set of migrants set to be deported to Rwanda, with flights due to take off at the beginning of July.
Just one week after Rishi Sunak's Safety of Rwanda bill became law, the first phase of operations have got underway, with more activity due to be carried out in the coming weeks.
Officials have not yet confirmed how many people have been detained or where they were taken into custody.
Home Secretary James Cleverly said teams were 'working at pace to swiftly detain those who have no right to be here', referring to it as a 'pioneering response to the global challenge of illegal migration'.
He explained: 'This is a complex piece of work, but we remain absolutely committed to operationalising the policy, to stop the boats and break the business model of people smuggling gangs.'
The Home Office has increased its detention capacity to more than 2,200 detention spaces, trained 200 new caseworkers to quickly process claims and has 500 highly trained escorts ready.
Here, MailOnline explains everything you need to know about the Prime Minister's controversial scheme.
The Home Office today detained the first set of migrants set to be deported to Rwanda
What is the Rwanda scheme?
Ministers believe the prospect of being sent to Rwanda will deter illegal migrants from crossing the Channel.
The Government is gambling that the first flights to East Africa will have a stark impact on Channel arrivals, and demonstrate to voters that the problem is finally in hand.
The Government said that any asylum seeker attempting to enter the UK 'illegally' from a safe country, could be sent to Rwanda and have their claims processed there.
Is it ready to launch?
The Rwanda policy is ready to launch and detentions have begun today.
In a video published today, a team of about six officials – all thought to be from the Home Office's Immigration Enforcement unit – arrived at a terraced house and entered through the front door.
A man dressed in dark-checked trousers and a light-coloured hoodie walks out of the bay-fronted house and steps into the rear of a detention vehicle.
Operational teams within the Home Office have been working at pace to safely and swiftly detain individuals in scope for relocation to Rwanda.
More activity is due to be carried out in the coming weeks.
Last month sources said 100 to 150 migrants had already been identified for the first tranche of removals.
The Government is gambling that the first flights to East Africa will have a stark impact on Channel arrivals (File Image)
Who will be sent to Rwanda?
Under two recent Acts of Parliament the Government has powers to disregard asylum applications from those who arrive in the UK by 'irregular' routes such as by small boat.
Measures have also been taken to severely restrict migrants' access to legal appeals. However, some limited appeal rights are retained.
It said the country has a strong and successful track record in resettling people, hosting more than 135,000 refugees, and stands ready to accept thousands more who cannot stay in the UK.
Officials said the government's Safety of Rwanda Act and internationally binding Treaty reaffirm and ensure the safety of Rwanda and this policy.
Will there be legal action?
Probably. Migrants who are told they are facing removal to Rwanda are expected to lodge individual appeals.
Pro-migrant charity Care4Calais said last week it planned to initiate challenges as
