The Prime Minister’s remarks are seen in the context of the controversial new government scheme, which took effect in April. The UK has made an agreement with Rwanda that people who come to the UK illegally to seek asylum can be relocated to the African country.

Johnson has previously denied that Ukrainian refugees would be sent to Rwanda. But to the question of whether Ukrainians arriving by ship could be subject to deportation to East Africa, he now gives a different answer.

– But if they come here illegally, they spoil everyone who comes here legally. It’s crazy, but I’m afraid the answer is yes, in theory they could be deported, says Johnson Security ahead of today’s Commonwealth meeting in Rwanda.

Controversial setting

This new scheme is an attempt by the government to control its own borders. This is important for politicians who want Brexit, including Prime Minister Johnson. The scheme is a five-year trial scheme, aimed primarily at the many single men crossing the English Channel from France by boat or truck without a permit. It often has a homeland in Africa or the Middle East.

The Prime Minister stressed that Ukraine, on the other hand, has two good legal routes to use to get to the British Isles.

“The only situation in which Ukrainians would be sent to Rwanda is if they came to the UK illegally, thus undermining the safe and legal route we have,” he explained.

Johnson concluded by saying that he thought it highly unlikely this would happen in practice.

– Treat them like human cargo

Enver Solomon, head of the UK Refugee Council, believes the statement still sends a very unfortunate signal.

– In stark contrast to the British public who have opened their doors to welcome Ukrainians desperately seeking safety, our Prime Minister has confirmed that the government is determined to treat them as human cargo, he told The Guardian.

This is not the first time the British government has come under pressure over its treatment of Ukrainian refugees. Among other things, they have received criticism for making the visa application process for Ukraine too complicated.

In the EU, Ukrainians are granted the right to stay three years without applying for a visa. In the UK, on ​​the other hand, you must apply for a visa, which some describe as a complicated and time-consuming process.