UK Exploring ‘Return Hubs’ to Address Migrant Arrivals
UK to Discuss ‘Return Hubs’ for Rejected Asylum Seekers
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer announced on Thursday that the UK is in talks with several countries to establish ‘return hubs’ for rejected asylum seekers. This initiative aims to streamline the deportation process and deter irregular migration.
Concept Explained
Starmer, during a visit to Albania, described the ‘return hubs’ as a “really important innovation.” These hubs would function as temporary holding centers in third countries where individuals whose asylum claims are rejected in the UK would be sent while awaiting deportation. The goal, according to a spokesperson for Starmer, is to prevent these individuals from using tactics like starting families in the UK to delay their removal.
Albania’s Position
Interestingly, Albania, which has a pre-existing agreement with Italy to house rejected asylum seekers, has rejected similar proposals from other countries, including the UK. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the agreement with Italy was a unique case and that Tirana would not be hosting rejected asylum seekers from the UK.
UK’s Changing Approach
This initiative marks a departure from the controversial ‘Rwanda plan’ implemented by the previous UK government. That plan aimed to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, where their claims would be assessed. Starmer, who came into power after the last election, scrapped this program on his first day, calling it a gimmick.
European Context
While the UK’s ‘Rwanda plan’ shifted responsibility for asylum seekers, Starmer’s ‘return hubs’ proposal focuses on individuals who have exhausted their legal options in the UK. According to migration expert Meghan Benton, several European countries, including the Netherlands and Sweden, are exploring similar models. The European Commission has also endorsed the ‘return hubs’ concept as a strategy to discourage irregular migration.
Progress and Challenges
Starmer highlighted the success of a joint task force with Albania, which has significantly reduced the number of Albanian migrants attempting to cross the English Channel. He expressed the UK’s intention to establish similar task forces with other Western Balkan countries.
Despite the drop in Albanian arrivals, the overall number of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats has increased by over 30% this year compared to the same period last year.
Diplomatic Relations
Relations between the UK and Albania have been strained in recent years, with the UK labeling Albanian arrivals as an “invasion” in 2022. This sparked a diplomatic dispute, with Albanian Prime Minister Rama calling the UK’s border policies “failed” and accusing them of using inflammatory language.
However, during Starmer’s visit, both leaders emphasized the importance of cooperation in tackling irregular migration.
Future Cooperation
Starmer’s visit to Albania, the first by a British Prime Minister, also included the signing of a statement of intent for defense industry cooperation, focusing on the joint production of military vehicles in Albania.
The British leader is also participating in the European Political Community in Tirana, a forum for European leaders to enhance security and prosperity across the continent.
