Rwanda cannot stop migrants leaving and attempting fresh journeys to UK

Rwandan officials say being sent to the country is a ‘good option’ and migrants will be supported to stay

The processing tent next to Hope Hostel in Kigali, where migrants from the UK will be sent under the partnership (PA)

Rwandan authorities will not be able to stop migrants leaving the country and attempting new journeys back to the UK, officials have admitted.

Speaking to a press conference on Friday, Rwanda’s lead legal negotiator on the partnership said it was “not a prison state”.

Doris Uwicyeza Picard, chief adviser to the country’s justice ministry, said: “Everybody who wishes to leave can leave.