German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt stated that discussions are ongoing with non-EU countries to establish 'return hubs,' which are detention centers outside the European Union for migrants whose asylum requests have been rejected. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Germany and other EU nations to finalize the plans by the end of the year.
The European Parliament approved stricter migration rules in June, facilitating the creation of these 'return hubs.' Dobrindt mentioned that an agreement with third countries is sought this year, following a meeting with counterparts from Denmark, Greece, Austria, and the Netherlands in Copenhagen.
While specific countries were not named, Uganda and Rwanda have been suggested as potential hosts for the 'return hubs.' Danish Migrations Minister Morten Bodskov indicated that a common understanding with a partner country outside the EU is expected around New Year, with hopes for the hubs to be operational by 2027.
Bodskov emphasized that Denmark does not want to reward illegal foreign residents due to challenges in returning them. The plan has faced criticism from rights organizations, questioning its legality and morality. The UK previously attempted a similar scheme but abandoned it after a change in government.
Italy's right-wing government has pursued a comparable agreement with Albania, which is currently facing legal challenges. The legality of the return hubs under EU law remains uncertain, although a legal appraisal from the European Court of Justice in April indicated that such centers do not inherently violate EU law, provided that deportees receive legal counsel and maintain contact with families.
Andreas Grünewald, a migration expert with the charity Brot für die Welt, expressed concerns about the feasibility and human rights implications of the plans, suggesting they may lead to political dead ends. Rights groups, including children's charities, have criticized the initiative as criminalizing migration, with warnings about the potential risks faced by deportees in the proposed centers.
Florian Westphal, CEO of Save The Children Germany, highlighted the specific dangers for children, stating that the planned centers could result in significant violations of children's rights and that transferring children to unfamiliar states is not in their best interests.