UK Government Proposes Relocation for Migrants Stranded on Diego Garcia

A government proposal suggests that migrants who have been stranded for years on the isolated Indian Ocean island of Diego Garcia will be granted the opportunity to relocate to the UK. Approximately 60 Sri Lankan Tamils have resided for over three years in a temporary encampment on the island, home to a clandestine UK-US military installation, having been the initial individuals to submit asylum applications in that location. Previously, the government had resisted the transfer of this group to the UK, and intricate legal disputes concerning their future have been ongoing for years. Government legal representatives stated in a letter issued on Monday that, “following further consideration”, the government had put forward a “change of policy”. According to this proposal, “all families, children and those of the unaccompanied males who do not have criminal convictions, outstanding charges or investigations would be offered the opportunity to be transferred directly to the UK”. The letter also indicated that efforts regarding the offer were “ongoing” and a definitive decision was expected within 48 hours. It concluded, “Details will be provided as soon as possible.” During a telephone conversation with one of the Tamil individuals, an official communicated that the choice to bring them to the UK stemmed from the island’s “exceptional circumstances,” further noting that their entry would be for “a short period of time.” Addressing journalists at a routine news conference in Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesperson stated that “the government inherited a deeply-troubling situation that remained unresolved under the previous administration when it came to migrants who had arrived at Diego Garcia. Diego Garcia had clearly never been a suitable long-term location for migrants”. He further commented that “the government has been working to find a solution that protects their welfare and the integrity of British territorial borders”. Legal representatives for the Tamils characterized this development as a “very welcome step” within a “long battle for justice.” Simon Robinson, from the UK law firm Duncan Lewis, informed the BBC that “After three years living in inhumane conditions, having to fight various injustices in court on numerous occasions, His Majesty’s Government [HMG] has now decided that our clients should now come directly to the UK. We hope that HMG will now take urgent steps to give effect to this decision.” Tom Short, a lawyer with Leigh Day, stated, “Today’s decision is an enormous relief to our clients and we urge the home secretary to close the camp and bring our clients here without any further delay.” Following a phone call from an official conveying the news, one Tamil individual remarked, “It looks like a dream. I don’t know what to think.” Previously, the UK had presented some members of the group with a temporary relocation option to Romania, including the prospect of subsequently moving to the UK. Financial inducements were extended to others to encourage their return to Sri Lanka. This recent development follows the UK’s announcement last month that it would transfer sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory (Biot), encompassing Diego Garcia, to Mauritius. Nevertheless, the military installation will continue to operate on the island. As part of a distinct agreement made last month, migrants arriving on Biot prior to the implementation of the arrangement with Mauritius will be relocated to the island of St Helena, a different UK territory situated approximately 5,000 miles distant. On Monday in court, legal counsel indicated that three individuals with criminal convictions might be transferred to the island of Montserrat, a British territory in the Caribbean, to complete their sentences. The BBC recently received unparalleled access to Diego Garcia to observe a court hearing, which aims to ascertain if the Tamils’ detention was unlawful. While on the visit, the migrants guided the court through the military tents where they have resided, highlighting issues such as dampness, rips in the canvas, animal droppings, and a rat’s nest positioned above one of the sleeping areas. Throughout the last three years, the island has experienced several hunger strikes, along with numerous instances of self-harm and attempted suicides, leading to some individuals being moved to Rwanda for medical attention. A man currently in Rwanda commented, “For three years I have been caged. Now they are releasing me but I don’t know what to do. I feel a bit blank.” Another individual expressed, “I am very happy because I am coming to the UK. I thought they would send me to some other country.” The cohort comprises 16 children. The majority are awaiting conclusive rulings on their applications for international protection—a status the United Nations equates to refugee status—or are contesting prior rejections. A total of eight individuals have received international protection. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.