Plans are in motion within the government to potentially relocate failed asylum seekers to the Balkans. The Home Office is considering the establishment of overseas “return hubs” to house individuals whose asylum claims have been denied and exhausted of all appeals. According to a government source, these proposals are still in the initial stages and could involve financial compensation to host countries for each person removed from the UK.
The prime minister has made a commitment to tackle the increasing issue of individuals crossing the Channel on small boats and aims to reduce net migration significantly. In the past, a Conservative plan to send migrants arriving via small boats to Rwanda for asylum processing was abandoned. The current suggestions would specifically target failed asylum seekers with no further legal avenues for appeal.
These overseas hubs would facilitate the removal of failed asylum seekers from countries where it is deemed unsafe for them to return, such as Iran and Somalia. Additionally, the centers could temporarily house rejected claimants before arranging their transfer to removal flights back to their home countries. This move aligns with the European Commission’s recommendation for the adoption of “return hubs” as an innovative measure for migration management, excluding families with children and unaccompanied minors from the scheme.
The potential implementation of a return hub program would necessitate negotiations with host countries in the western Balkans, encompassing regions like Albania, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the Labour Party sees the initiative as a cost-effective way to expedite removal processes and alleviate pressure on local budgets, it is likely to face legal challenges and resistance from refugee organizations. Enver Solomon of the Refugee Council criticized the proposal, labeling it as a headline-grabbing tactic that prioritizes appearing tough over practical solutions
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