EU plans to legalize ‘return hubs’ in 3rd countries despite human rights concerns
In an effort to address irregular migration, the European Union is preparing to legalize “return hubs” in third countries, Anadolu Agency reported. This strategy was presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during a session of the European Parliament on March 11, marking it as a key priority for her second term, which began on December 1, 2024.
The proposal follows a return agreement between Italy and Albania signed in 2023, exemplifying the EU’s intent to implement facilities for rejected asylum seekers in various third countries. This approach is similar to the UK’s 2022 plan to transfer asylum seekers to Rwanda.
Critics of the proposal, including migration experts and international human rights organizations, have raised alarms about potential violations of asylum rights and arbitrary detention. Hanne Bierens, director of the Migration Policy Institute Europe, pointed out that only 20% of rejected asylum seekers in the EU are currently returned. She emphasized that the draft lacks clarity regarding safeguards and principles that agreements with third countries should uphold, particularly concerning independent monitoring mechanisms.
The financial implications of this strategy are significant. The Italy-Albania deal has been estimated to cost up to €1 billion, raising concerns about the economic sustainability of such initiatives. Despite the criticism, the proposal has garnered support from several EU member states, particularly those with right-wing governments advocating for stricter migration policies.
As the EU moves forward with this legislation, the effectiveness and humanitarian implications of these return hubs remain contentious topics, with ongoing debates about the best approach to manage migration while ensuring the protection of human rights.
