EU weighs migrant return hubs in Africa

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Hundreds of people of Maghreb origin cross into the city from Morocco by swimming or climbing a breakwater, in Ceuta, Spain, July 30, 2026. /CFP

European Union (EU) home affairs ministers will on Thursday meet in Luxembourg to discuss tougher measures to deport migrants who have no right to remain in the bloc, including plans to establish return centers in African countries.

Rwanda has emerged as a leading potential host, with officials in Kigali confirming ongoing negotiations with Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany and the Netherlands. Two European lawmakers who recently visited Rwanda and Uganda said the discussions were continuing.

Greece has also said it plans to establish a return center in an unnamed African country by 2027, saying an agreement has already been reached. The five EU countries exploring the hubs have not publicly identified their potential partners.

Supporters say the centers could make deportations easier and deter irregular migration. Critics, including the European lawmakers, have raised concerns about human rights, oversight and the possibility of migrants being left in legal limbo outside the EU.

Source(s): AFP

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