The first migrants to arrive in Rwanda under the UK’s radical new deal to curb Channel crossings will be offered the chance to rebuild their lives in the east African nation. The group will most likely be flown into a private terminal at Kigali’s international airport before being taken straight to accommodation at Hope Hostel – where they will be given a chance to rest, eat and settle in, as well as being tested for Covid-19, before they are processed.
According to the Rwandan government, this is the only facility being used for initial accommodation under the plan so far. Spokeswoman Yolande Makolo said they are in discussions with five or six more establishments in the capital city including the Desir Hotel, also known as Rouge by Desir, and the Hallmark Residences for use for accommodation in the future.
The government aspires to provide “clean, modern accommodation” with basic facilities and a safe space, she added. Hope Hostel can sleep 100 people, although plans for expansion could see another accommodation block built on the site.
