Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Rwanda Sues UK Over Cancelled Asylum Deal
Rwanda is suing the UK because the UK cancelled a deal where Rwanda would take in migrants who came to the UK illegally.
The UK asked Rwanda not to take two payments of 50 million pounds each, which were due in 2025 and 2026.
Rwanda agreed to this only if the deal was officially ended and new payment terms were agreed upon.
However, the UK did not discuss this with Rwanda, and Rwanda says the payments are still due.
Rwanda has taken this case to a special court in The Hague to settle the dispute.
The UK calls the deal a 'complete disaster' and a waste of money, while Rwanda sees it as a valid financial agreement.
Rwanda filed an arbitration case against the UK over a cancelled asylum deal.
The UK asked Rwanda to forgo two payments of 50 million pounds each due in 2025 and 2026.
Rwanda agreed to forgo the payments only if the deal was terminated and new terms were negotiated.
The UK did not engage in discussions with Rwanda, and the payments remain due.
The case has been submitted to the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague.
- Who
- Rwanda and United Kingdom
- What
- Rwanda filed an arbitration case against the UK over a cancelled asylum deal
- When
- January 28, 2024
- Where
- The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration
- Why
- Rwanda claims the UK breached financial arrangements of the deal
Rwanda
UK
Payment Obligation
Rwanda
Rwanda claims the UK must pay the 100 million pounds as per the original agreement.
UK
The UK argues that the payments should be forfeited due to the cancellation of the deal.
Deal Termination
Rwanda
Rwanda insists that the deal should be formally terminated and new financial terms negotiated.
UK
The UK did not engage in discussions to terminate the deal or negotiate new terms.
Effectiveness of the Deal
Rwanda
Rwanda views the deal as a valid financial agreement.
UK
The UK considers the deal a 'complete disaster' and a waste of taxpayer money.
- Countries Involved
- Rwanda and United Kingdom
- Dispute Amount
- 100 million pounds ($138 million)
- Dispute Reason
- Breach of financial arrangements in asylum deal
- Arbitration Court
- Permanent Court of Arbitration, The Hague
- Deal Cancellation Year
- 2024
- Pending Payments
- Two payments of 50 million pounds each
- Payment Due Dates
- April 2025 and April 2026
- Migrants Sent to Rwanda
- Four people
- Total Cost of the Deal
- 700 million pounds