UK Considers Transfer of Tamil Asylum Seekers

The UK government has announced a significant policy shift that may allow 61 Tamil asylum seekers stranded on Diego Garcia, part of the Chagos Islands, to relocate to the UK instead of being sent to St Helena or Rwanda. This decision follows legal action highlighting the migrants' prolonged detention and inhumane living conditions since their arrival in October 2021 after being rescued at sea. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed that the majority of the group, including 16 children, will be permitted to travel to the UK, pending entry clearance and background checks. Critics warn that this move could complicate sovereignty issues related to the Chagos Islands, which have been a subject of territorial disputes. The situation is described as a 'crisis' with reports of overcrowding and dangerous living conditions for the migrants. A final decision on the relocation is expected within 48 hours, providing a glimmer of hope for the affected families.