Rwanda excludes refugees from neighbouring states in UK deal

Rwanda hostel.

Hope Hostel in Rwanda, which has the capacity to host 152 people, will accommodate asylum seekers from the UK. PHOTO | ANGE ILIZA | NMG

Rwanda on Thursday appeared to stoke controversy after a government official said the country will not admit refugees from neighbouring countries under a deal with the United Kingdom to host asylum seekers.

While the United Kingdom had laid down criteria for illegal migrants denied entry into the UK to be considered for resettlement in Rwanda, Kigali says it will not welcome asylum seekers from countries from DR Congo, Burundi, Uganda and Tanzania.