European Union capitals are poised to back plans to send failed asylum seekers to detention centres outside member countries. Today, ambassadors are expected to endorse the proposals, which would mean individuals who have been ordered to leave the EU would be sent to “return hubs” outside of the bloc.
Boost for existing hub plans
The decision would boost work that has already begun on hubs, including Italy having a deal in place with Albania. Other states – such as Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria and Greece – are also holding discussions on setting up their own centres. Nordic countries, such as Sweden, are also exploring a pilot scheme.
Cyprus’ Migration Minister Nicholas Ioannides told the press that the green light will give nations' plans added impetus. He added: “Now that we’ve got the legal basis, we believe that we’ll get some flesh on the bones in the coming months.” The “general idea” is to set up return hubs, Ioannides said.
Location and legal framework
As regards their location, he mentioned “Africa or Asia” as places “not close to European borders”, according to Politico. In May, Britain and 45 other European countries signed an agreement endorsing plans to send unwanted asylum seekers to third country hubs. The political declaration from members of the Council of Europe, which oversees the European convention on human rights (ECHR), stated that countries had an “undeniable sovereign right” to control their borders.
The document added: “Amongst the forms of new approaches that have been envisaged by several member states are processing requests for international protection in a third country, third country ‘return hubs’, and cooperation with countries of transit.”
UK and international cooperation
In Albania in May last year, Sir Keir Starmer said: “We are in talks with a number of countries about return hubs.” He added: “I see them as a really important innovation.” Ioannides said the EU wants international organisations – like the International Organization for Migration and the UN's refugee agency – to help make sure human rights laws are abided by in relation to the hubs.
