The bill has been backed by MPs by 289 votes to 230 as it cleared its final stages in the House of Commons this week.
It allows the detention of those arriving in the UK illegally, including children. They can then be removed to Rwanda or another country, when they reach 18, which would take legal precedence over a person’s right to claim asylum.
A potential Conservative MP rebellion to the bill was to take place, but has been defused after the government made several concessions, including around the detention of children.
But despite amendments, including around the length of time children may be detained without a court order, unaccompanied young refugees can still be locked up if they are awaiting removal from the UK to be with family abroad or if they are believed to be over 18.
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