EU capitals are poised to back new rules for migrant returns, potentially boosting plans for deportation hubs outside the bloc. Several member states are exploring such arrangements, aiming to relocate failed asylum seekers to centers in Africa or Asia.
The proposed migrant return hubs aim to streamline deportations but raise significant human rights concerns, potentially impacting international law and the EU's commitment to asylum seeker protections.
European Union capitals are moving closer to approving new rules that would allow for the establishment of migrant "return hubs" in countries outside the bloc. Ambassadors are expected to back regulations that permit individuals ordered to leave EU territory to be relocated to these external centers, a concept several member states are actively pursuing.
Cyprus's Migration Minister Nicholas Ioannides indicated that the impending EU deal would provide significant momentum for these national plans, suggesting that more countries, including Cyprus, would begin discussing such arrangements. He noted that the general idea is to locate these hubs in Africa or Asia, away from European borders.
Nations including Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, and Greece have engaged in discussions regarding return hubs, with Germany and the Netherlands aiming to have plans operational by the end of the year. Sweden's Minister of Migration Johan Forssell mentioned that Nordic countries are also considering a pilot scheme, potentially focusing on a single nationality to streamline returns from countries like Syria, Afghanistan, and Somalia, from which returns are challenging.
The new EU framework will permit member states to forge their own agreements with non-EU countries, provided these nations uphold human rights and international law, including the principle of non-refoulement. The European Commission and other member states must be notified before these hubs become operational. Cyprus's minister emphasized that human rights protection would be a critical factor in these agreements, with international organizations like the IOM and UNHCR potentially assisting in oversight.
However, human rights organizations and some EU members have voiced significant concerns. Amnesty International's Olivia Sundberg questioned the practical implementation and enforcement of safeguards, highlighting risks of reduced transparency, monitoring, and access to legal aid. Spain's Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska expressed worries about rights being compromised, particularly in cases involving families with no ties to the destination countries. Luxembourg's Home Affairs Minister indicated that while supporting the concept of centers, his country would oppose sending women and children to such hubs.