FIVE EU COUNTRIES PLAN MIGRANT RETURN HUBS IN AFRICA

Five European Union countries are working on plans to establish centres outside Europe for migrants whose asylum applications have been finally rejected.

The countries are Greece, Germany, Austria, Denmark and the Netherlands. The initiative could see the first facility begin operations in Africa in 2027.

The proposed facilities, described by the countries as “return hubs,” would receive migrants who no longer have legal permission to remain in the EU while arrangements are made for their return to their countries of origin.

Greece is leading the initiative and has said an African country has been selected as a possible host, although its identity has not been disclosed. Rwanda and Uganda have been mentioned in reports as possible locations, but neither has been officially confirmed.

Germany, Austria, Denmark and the Netherlands are also involved in discussions with potential partner countries.

The participating countries have said the facilities would operate as open centres rather than detention camps. They also intend to retain responsibility for people transferred to the hubs.

The proposed programme is expected to be funded by the participating European countries, while organisations such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration could monitor operations.

The initiative follows previous European efforts to establish migration arrangements outside the EU, including Italy’s facilities in Albania.