The migrant deal was originally brokered by the previous Conservative government, which had paid £240m to Rwanda since revealing the plan in 2022. However, legal challenges prevented the scheme from being implemented, prompting the UK to express hope for a refund of some of the funds.

Contrary to the UK's expectations, a spokesperson for Rwanda's government clarified on 09 July 2024 that there was never an agreement to repay any funds. They emphasised that the initial partnership was extensively discussed, and the contract did not outline any provisions for monetary refunds.

In January 2024, Rwandan President Paul Kagame suggested the potential return of funds if no asylum seekers were sent to the country. Nevertheless, Rwanda's government later emphasised that it was not under any obligation to reimburse the UK.

The termination of the scheme has sparked deep concerns among workers previously employed to construct housing for asylum seekers in Rwanda. These workers, who were paid between £1.80 and £6 per day, now face an uncertain future and express worries about the impact of the scheme's closure on their livelihoods.

Amidst these developments, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has criticised the Rwanda scheme as an expensive 'gimmick' and has pledged to establish a new Border Security Command. This commitment aims to combat human smuggling activities and ensure the safety and security of the UK's borders.

Opposition to the Rwanda scheme has been strong, with the UK's Supreme Court deeming the plan "unlawful," human rights organisations condemning it as "cruel and draconian," and dissent from within the Conservative Party seeking amendments for better legal protection.

The previous Tory government had proposed the scheme as a deterrent against people crossing the English Channel in small boats. This was a response to the ongoing struggle with illegal migration, which continues to be a pressing and urgent challenge for the UK government.

Furthermore, Denmark, contemplating a similar deal with Rwanda, decided to halt discussions in January 2023, expressing a desire for a more unified European approach to address illegal migration.