Migrants – both on the island and in Rwanda – whose claims for international protection have been approved, as well as families in the camp with children, are to be offered a transfer to a “safe centre” run by the United Nations in Romania while the UK government continues to search for a “durable solution” – migrants told the BBC.
They have been told they will remain in the centre in Romania for up to six months.
“Within those six months, the UK will continue to develop a durable solution for you in line with international standards. You can choose to accept any solution presented to you during this time. If you do not wish to accept any offers made during those six months, you will be brought to the UK,” letters from the Biot administration, seen by the BBC, say.
One man, currently in Rwanda, who has been offered the move to Romania described it as “a very big relief”. Another migrant there said it was the “happiest day in three years”.
Those who have had their protection claims rejected and are not part of family units within the camp have been offered financial incentives to return to Sri Lanka. According to a letter to migrants, seen by the BBC, this will include £3,000, medical insurance for three years, accommodation for up to three years, plus a job or training or education opportunities.
The BBC understands that those who have not had their protection claims approved have not yet exhausted all legal avenues. Lawyers representing the migrants are due to fly to Diego Garcia to meet their clients this week.
“I didn’t eat anything from the morning. I feel very depressed,” said one of the Tamils who has been treated for a mental health condition in Rwanda and has now been offered a return to Sri Lanka.
The first Tamils arrived on Diego Garcia in October 2021, saying they had been fleeing persecution and trying to sail to Canada to claim asylum when their boat ran into trouble and they were rescued by the Royal Navy. Their account was backed up by maps, diary entries and GPS data on board.
In the following months, more boats arrived.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)