EU Plans Return Hubs in Africa for Rejected Asylum Seekers

2026-03-03 region

Brussels, 3 March 2026
Five European Union member states are developing controversial return hubs in Africa to house rejected asylum seekers whose home countries refuse to readmit them. Greece leads this initiative alongside Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Austria, marking a significant shift in European migration policy. The proposal aims to create facilities with European standards whilst serving as a deterrent to future asylum seekers unlikely to receive protection. This represents the first practical implementation of provisions within the EU’s New Pact on Migration and Asylum, moving beyond theoretical discussions to operational cooperation between member states.

Technical Discussions Signal Policy Shift

Last week, the five member states held technical-level talks that signal their readiness to move forward with concrete implementation [1]. According to an EU official, the timing reflects the near-completion of the legal framework: “Now that we have the legal framework almost in place, we are able to begin more operational cooperation” [1]. Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris confirmed this transition from theoretical to practical planning, stating “We are no longer speaking theoretically, we are speaking practically” [1]. The return hubs proposal, which has been circulating in Brussels since it was first raised, was put forward by Plevris, who outlined more concrete plans during the recent discussions [1].

Africa Emerges as Preferred Location

According to the Greek minister, Africa is among the preferred locations under consideration for these facilities, although no final decision has been taken [1]. An EU official confirmed that “some countries have already visited partners in Central Africa,” though added that “it is not written anywhere” that the hubs must be located on the African continent [1]. The facilities would specifically host individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected and whose countries of origin refuse to readmit them [1]. Plevris explained that “their existence would act as a deterrent to prospective migrants who are unlikely to be granted asylum,” whilst acknowledging that “the current return rate is insufficient” [1].

Broader Migration Cooperation Framework

The return hubs initiative forms part of a wider migration cooperation push across the EU. On 2 March 2026, the EU and International Organization for Migration held their 12th Senior Officials Meeting in Brussels, reaffirming their commitment to strategic cooperation on migration and humanitarian response throughout 2026 [2]. The meeting, co-chaired by European External Action Service Managing Director Olivier Bailly and IOM Director General Amy Pope, emphasised the importance of route-based approaches and effective migration management along key routes [2]. Pope highlighted that “deepening our cooperation in 2026 will be essential to delivering practical, people-centred solutions that save lives, strengthen protection, and respond to changing realities on the ground” [2].

Implementation Challenges and Standards

EU officials stress that the return hubs would initially be developed as pilot projects to “gain experience on both sides,” with several member states seeking “new and innovative solutions” that are perceived as “win-win” arrangements [1]. The official emphasised that “it’s not about simply transferring people and letting them languish,” with the intention being “to ensure that people stay under conditions equivalent to European standards” [1]. Such approaches could form part of a broader “toolbox,” including financial and educational partnerships with third countries [1]. Greece has already scheduled a meeting in Rome with Spain, Italy and the Pakistani government to discuss counter-smuggling efforts and migration management, indicating the initiative extends beyond just the five founding member states [1].

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asylum policy European migration