Labour is exploring controversial plans to send failed asylum seekers more than 1,000 miles away to detention centres in the western Balkans, according to reports. The idea involves setting up a network of “return hubs” overseas, where migrants who have been refused asylum in the UK would be held after exhausting all legal routes to stay.
Sources told The Times that the government is considering approaches to countries including Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and North Macedonia as part of a wider crackdown on illegal migration and small boat crossings. A government source said: “This is clearly a shared challenge right across the world and we’ve always said this international problem needs an international solution. That’s why we’re looking at the widest possible set of options with a completely open mind.” The policy would mark a shift from the former Conservative government’s Rwanda scheme, which Labour scrapped last year.
Unlike Rwanda, which Labour does not view as safe, the proposed hubs would house asylum seekers in proper detention facilities, not hotels.
The Times reports that some of the migrants sent to these hubs could include those from countries the UK doesn’t currently have returns agreements with.
This could mean that people from Afghanistan, Iran or Somalia could be relocated, even though the UK cannot deport them directly.
Those from so-called safe countries like Pakistan, Vietnam and India could also be held temporarily while the UK arranges their removal.
One minister reportedly pointed out that two empty migrant centres in Albania could be used, after Italy’s plans to use them were blocked in court.
Government figures believe the existing facilities and infrastructure could help speed up negotiations.
According to The Times, Labour hopes the threat of being relocated to an offshore centre will discourage migrants from making dangerous crossings and reduce pressure on the UK’s asylum accommodation system, where more than 38,000 people are currently living in hotels.
In recent years, more than 85,000 asylum seekers have reached the end of the appeal process, but only around 20,000 have been removed. Last year, removals increased to 9,151 – a 36% rise on 2023.
However, charities have strongly criticised the plan. Enver Solomon from the Refugee Council said: “Headline-grabbing gimmicks and knee-jerk proposals that are about sounding tough will not work.”
Amnesty International also condemned the idea, calling it a “new low” in how Europe treats migrants.
The proposals are still in the early stages and are expected to face fierce legal opposition if they go ahead.
The Daily Express has approached the Labour Party for comment.
