The United Nations (UN) has endorsed Labour’s plan to deport failed asylum seekers to “return hubs” in the Balkans. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper discussed the idea for those who have gone through all the appeals processes with the head of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) last month. The UNHCR has also created its own proposals for returning failed asylum seekers, as long as the arrangements don’t go against its mandate to protect refugees’ human rights.
The migrants must be granted temporary legal status, and “adequate accommodation and reception arrangements would need to be provided in the third country following arrival to ensure that needs were met, with support of the sending country”. Government sources told The Times that countries in the western Balkans, such as Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, and North Macedonia, could receive the failed asylum seekers.
One said: “It could be a game changer because it will help give us the necessary legal cover against any legal challenge and will also help us politically with our left-wing MPs who may have reservations.
Another added: “We are working on a range of solutions to tackle illegal migration, including working with countries across the EU and beyond on law enforcement co-operation to dismantle the criminal smuggling gangs profiting from small boat crossings.
“Along with other countries, we are looking at how returns hubs could form a part of our commitment to rebuild confidence in the immigration and asylum system that was left in complete chaos by the Tories.
“We are in touch with UNHCR and welcome their work in this area.”
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp told the outlet: “This shows that removing illegal immigrants to locations outside Europe is being considered by more and more countries.
“The UK could have led the world with our Rwanda removals scheme, but Labour cancelled it before it even started and now 2025 so far has seen record levels of illegal crossings.
“It is obvious that a removals deterrent is needed to stop illegal immigration. The UNHCR seem to be finally realising that, as does the incoming German Government.
“The only government going in the other direction is ours, because it is led by Keir Starmer, a weak human rights lawyer.”