US deports eight people "of African origin" to Uganda under safe‑third‑country deal
Key Takeaways
- Eight non‑citizens described as "of African origin" were flown from the US to Uganda, the first reported removals under a migration deal between the two countries.
- Uganda was designated a "safe third country" under the agreement — meaning migrants who could seek protection there may be returned instead of to their country of origin.
- The Uganda Law Society condemned the operation as illegal and "dehumanising" and says it will challenge the transfers in court.
- It has been reported that Uganda agreed to accept migrants who do not have criminal histories; US statements say many third‑country transfers have involved convicted criminals.
- People seeking asylum or facing removal should consult counsel quickly — safe‑third‑country arrangements can accelerate removals and complicate asylum claims.
What happened
Eight people from various African countries arrived in Uganda after being deported from the United States, Uganda’s foreign ministry said. The ministry described the move as carried out under a bilateral deal that designates Uganda as a "safe third country" for migrants who cannot be returned to their countries of origin. It has been reported that a US judge approved their cases before the transfer. The BBC has asked the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for comment; DHS oversees immigration enforcement in the US.
Legal and policy context
A "safe third country" designation lets one country return an asylum seeker to another country deemed capable of offering protection, rather than processing their claim itself. That framework can speed removals but raises legal and human‑rights questions — notably non‑refoulement, the international principle that forbids returning people to places where they face persecution. It has been reported that Uganda agreed to accept deportees who do not have criminal records, while US officials have said many third‑country transfers elsewhere involved convicted criminals. The transfers follow a broader US policy trend of sending migrants to third countries, a practice criticized by rights groups for potential illegality and lack of safeguards.
Human impact and next steps
The Uganda Law Society called the operation "undignified, harrowing and dehumanising" and said the transfers were illegal; it has been reported that it will mount a court challenge. For migrants, safe‑third‑country removals can mean being returned to a country where they have no legal status, limited social support, and little ability to rebuild their lives. Practically, anyone facing removal or with an outstanding asylum claim who may be subject to a third‑country transfer should seek immigration counsel immediately and contact local legal aid or refugee support organizations — these cases often hinge on quickly demonstrated protection needs and procedural challenges.
Source: Original Article