London
\nThe UK government is considering plans to send failed asylum seekers to overseas \u201creturn hubs\u201d in the western Balkans, as part of efforts to reduce net migration and ease pressure on local services.
\nHome Office officials have held early-stage discussions about setting up facilities in countries such as Albania, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The proposed centres would house individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected and whose appeals have been exhausted.
\nThe scheme would differ from the previously scrapped Rwanda plan by applying only to rejected claimants rather than those awaiting decisions.
\nA government source said any initiative would need to be \u201caffordable, workable and legal\u201d, and would exclude families and unaccompanied minors.
\nOfficials believe the proposal could speed up removals, reduce costs, and support local authorities struggling with homeless failed asylum seekers.
\nIn 2024, the UK carried out over 9,000 asylum-related returns, a 36% increase on the previous year.
\nThe European Commission recently endorsed the concept of return hubs as an \u201cinnovative\u201d migration solution, encouraging similar measures among member states.
\nHowever, refugee advocates have voiced concern. Enver Solomon of the Refugee Council said offshore detention was costly and ineffective, arguing that voluntary return support was more humane and successful.
\nLegal challenges are likely, as shown in Italy, where a similar arrangement with Albania was blocked by the courts.
\nConservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp criticised Labour for abandoning the Rwanda plan and called for its reinstatement.
\nLiberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said the Channel crossing numbers were concerning but welcomed the end of the Rwanda scheme.
\nMore than 5,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats so far this year.
\nThe government maintains that international cooperation is essential to address what it describes as a \u201cshared global challenge\u201d.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
London The UK government is considering plans to send failed asylum seekers to overseas \u201creturn hubs\u201d in the western Balkans, as part of efforts to reduce net migration and ease pressure on local services. Home Office officials have held early-stage discussions about setting up facilities in countries such as Albania, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":468839,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-468823","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-world"},"yoast_head":"\n