Five European Union countries are advancing plans to create “return hubs” outside the bloc for migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected, with the first facility expected to open in Africa in the second half of 2027.
The group — Greece, Germany, Austria, Denmark and the Netherlands — agreed in September to intensify talks with potential partner countries on establishing the centres. Migrants ordered to leave the EU would be transferred there while arrangements are made for their return to countries of origin.
Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris said an African country had already been selected to host the first hub, though its identity has not been disclosed. Greece, which is leading the initiative, is also due to hold the rotating EU Council presidency in the second half of 2027.
Rwanda and Uganda have been repeatedly cited by diplomatic sources and European media as possible locations, but neither has been confirmed. A Reuters report on September 30 said Rwanda had held preliminary discussions with some EU states, without reaching any agreement.
The countries have stressed that the facilities would operate as open centres rather than detention camps. Responsibility for those transferred would remain with the participating European states, which would also finance the project. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organisation for Migration could monitor operations.
Dutch Migration Minister Bart van den Brink said the hubs should not be viewed as detention camps but as places offering migrants “another option while return arrangements are made.”
Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner has argued the project could help reduce irregular migration and dangerous journeys to Europe. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has previously said the group wanted agreements with third countries that would enable the facilities.
Denmark previously explored transferring asylum seekers to a third country and held talks with Rwanda that were suspended in 2023 over legal and logistical difficulties. It has since shifted to joint arrangements with other European partners.
The initiative follows earlier unsuccessful attempts to outsource asylum processing or returns. Britain’s Rwanda scheme was ruled unlawful by the UK Supreme Court. Italy has operated migrant centres in Albania since 2024; one has been used as a deportation facility, with costs projected to exceed €670 million by 2028.
The five countries are continuing discussions on the legal framework for transferring migrants who have no legal right to remain in the EU.
