Key facts
- Five European nations plan to sign deals this year to send migrants without legal residency to non-EU countries.
- Denmark aims to be ready by the end of 2027 to transfer migrants to an external return hub.
- The initiative involves Germany, Austria, Greece, Denmark, and the Netherlands.
- Human rights concerns have been raised by bodies like the Council of Europe regarding these plans.
Five European nations, including Germany, Austria, Greece, Denmark, and the Netherlands, are planning to sign agreements this year to relocate migrants lacking legal residency to countries outside the European Union. These nations intend to establish 'return hubs' in non-EU territories. Denmark specifically anticipates being prepared by the end of 2027 to commence such transfers. The initiative has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, including the Council of Europe, which has voiced concerns about the potential implications for migrants.