Britain is set to accept dozens of Tamil asylum seekers from the Chagos Islands, reversing its previous stance of potentially sending them to St Helena or Rwanda. The shift in policy was confirmed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, who have agreed to allow the group to travel to the UK. This decision marks a significant change after years of court battles and difficult living conditions for the group.
The 64 asylum seekers, including 16 children, have been stranded on Diego Garcia since October 2021. They were attempting to flee persecution in Sri Lanka and reach Canada when their fishing boat encountered trouble. Although the commissioner of the British Indian Ocean Territory initially argued for their return to Sri Lanka, the group challenged the decision in court, seeking safety elsewhere.
The UK Government recently informed the High Court through an official letter that it will accept most of the group, contingent on the submission of entry clearance applications, biometric checks, and security screenings. While most of the asylum seekers remain on Diego Garcia, eight had been sent to Rwanda for medical treatment. These individuals will also be brought to the UK under the new policy. However, the future of three Tamils with criminal records remains uncertain.
The decision comes after a United Nations report earlier this year highlighted the dire conditions on Diego Garcia, describing the group’s detention as unlawful and urging immediate relocation. The report detailed the violence, abuse, and severe mental distress experienced by the asylum seekers, including reports of sexual harassment and suicide risks.
Simon Robinson, a representative from Duncan Lewis solicitors, welcomed the decision, noting the relief for his clients after enduring harsh conditions and multiple court battles. Tom Short, a senior associate at Leigh Day, also praised the move, emphasizing that the asylum seekers fled Sri Lanka due to persecution and deserved safety.
Last month, the UK agreed to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, concluding a longstanding territorial dispute. However, Diego Garcia, home to a UK-US military base, will remain under British control. In a new agreement, any future asylum seekers arriving in the Chagos Islands will be sent to St Helena, a British overseas territory in the South Atlantic, until Mauritius assumes responsibility for the island.
A government spokesperson acknowledged that Diego Garcia was never suitable for long-term habitation and stressed the importance of protecting both migrant welfare and British border integrity. While a small number of asylum seekers will be relocated to the UK temporarily, this route is now closed for future arrivals, who will instead be directed to St Helena.