Key facts
- Several EU countries are considering setting up migrant return hubs in non-EU nations like Rwanda and Uzbekistan.
- A new EU law permits the creation of these centers for processing rejected asylum seekers.
- Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands are spearheading the initiative.
- The aim is to have agreements in place by 2026 and operational hubs by 2027.
- Human rights and international law compliance are stipulated as conditions for host countries.
A coalition of European Union member states is actively considering the establishment of migrant return hubs in third countries, specifically eyeing Rwanda and Uzbekistan. This move represents a significant attempt by the EU to externalize its migration control system, a strategy that has faced considerable legal and political challenges in the past.
The initiative is bolstered by a recently approved EU law that empowers member states to create centers in non-EU countries for processing migrants denied asylum, provided these nations adhere to human rights and international law standards. Over half of the EU's 27 member states have called for swift action on these centers, with Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands reportedly leading the charge.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has indicated a goal to finalize initial agreements for these structures in 2026, aiming for operational status by 2027. While Rwanda and Uzbekistan are prominent considerations, the exact locations are still subject to diplomatic processes. Uganda has also been mentioned as a potential site by a senior European official, though countries geographically closer to the EU, such as Egypt and Libya, have been excluded due to concerns about facilitating people smuggling.
Past attempts at offshore migration management by the UK, Denmark, and Italy have encountered significant legal and political hurdles. Proponents of the EU's new framework believe it offers a more robust legal basis for such facilities. The EU has already invested substantial funds in Rwanda and Uzbekistan through its Global Gateway program and grant funding, respectively.
However, the plans are not without opposition. The UNHCR has voiced concerns that refugees could face irreparable harm, labeling the EU's approach as succumbing to "populist rhetoric." French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of third-country return centers, questioning if they align with European values. Similarly, Greens MEP Mélissa Camara has argued that establishing hubs outside the EU breaches fundamental rights and that human rights compliance in countries like Uzbekistan or Rwanda cannot be guaranteed. The new rules, passed amid chants from right-wing and far-right MEPs, are intended for individuals who have exhausted all legal avenues for remaining in the bloc.