Germany Seeks to Establish Return Hubs Outside EU by Year-End

Germany and other European Union member states are targeting the end of the year to finalize agreements for “return hubs,” which are detention facilities located outside the bloc for migrants whose asylum applications have been denied.

The push follows a June decision by the European Parliament to approve stricter migration regulations, creating the legal framework for these offshore centers. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt announced after a meeting with his counterparts from Denmark, Greece, Austria, and the Netherlands in Copenhagen that the group aims to secure deals with non-EU nations this year.

Dobrindt confirmed that “technical discussions” are currently in progress with undisclosed third countries but declined to name specific partners. However, reports suggest that Uganda and Rwanda are among the leading candidates to host the facilities.

Danish Migrations Minister Morten Bodskov stated that the participating nations expect to reach a common understanding with a partner country around the New Year. Both Greek and Danish officials indicated that they hope to have the hubs operational by 2027. Bodskov emphasized the government’s stance, noting that individuals residing illegally in Denmark should not be rewarded due to the logistical challenges of deportation.

The proposal has drawn sharp condemnation from human rights groups. Similar initiatives have seen mixed results elsewhere in Europe; the United Kingdom previously adopted a return hub plan under the former Conservative government but scrapped it after the Labour Party took power. Meanwhile, Italy’s right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, reached a comparable agreement with Albania, which is currently facing legal challenges.