Greece, Germany, Austria, Denmark, and the Netherlands are advancing plans to establish deportation centers outside the EU, with an African partner country reportedly selected. Greece's Minister of Migration, Thanos Plevris, stated in an interview with ANT1 that the first of these "return hubs" is scheduled to begin operations in the second half of 2027, coinciding with Greece's EU Council Presidency. Plevris noted that while the specific African country chosen has not been disclosed, Rwanda and Uganda have been mentioned in diplomatic circles and media, though neither has been confirmed.
Plevris clarified that these centers will not be closed facilities for rejected asylum seekers but rather "open facilities" where individuals can await their return to their countries of origin. The responsibility for those transferred will remain with the five EU member states to avoid legal issues related to human rights violations. The project will be entirely financed by the EU group of five.
International organizations, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), are expected to monitor operations to ensure compliance with international human rights standards.
Previous attempts to establish similar centers outside the EU have faced legal challenges and political controversies. For instance, the UK government sought to deport migrants to Rwanda for asylum processing, but the British Supreme Court deemed the plan illegal due to risks of persecution. Italy's agreement with Albania to process migrants faced legal obstacles, resulting in the conversion of one camp into a deportation center. Denmark's negotiations with Rwanda were also halted due to legal and logistical challenges.
The revised European asylum law now permits deportations to third countries without a personal connection under certain conditions, supported by the new EU Return Regulation, which is expected to provide a framework for these return centers. Critics, including Doctors Without Borders and Amnesty International, express concerns about the adequacy of oversight and the potential for unsafe deportations. They also highlight the high costs associated with constructing and operating such centers, with limited returns on investment.