The first flight from the U.K is scheduled to deport migrants to Rwanda

• The first flight is expected Tuesday, though perhaps with only a handful of people aboard.
• Advocacy groups have attacked the policy as inhumane and illegal.
• The U.K. paid Rwanda $158 million up front and will make additional payments based on the number of people deported.

After two British courts rejected last-ditch appeals to stop the first flights; the British government plans to deport asylum applicants of diverse nationalities to Rwanda.

The programme has been met with a slew of legal challenges; as well as domestic and international condemnation; with the UN’s top refugee official claiming that the plan sets a dangerous precedent for refugees; escaping conflict and oppression.

Read More: UK court allows first migrant deportation flight to Rwanda

The first trip is scheduled for Tuesday, however only a few people are expected to board.

Since April, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson unveiled the proposal; as a method to prevent migrants from risking their lives by paying smugglers; to transport them to Britain in leaky inflatable boats; migrant advocacy groups have blasted it as harsh and illegal.

Read More: Prince Charles criticises the UK intention to deport refugees to Rwanda