Britain joins European deal allowing failed asylum seekers to be sent abroad

The United Kingdom has joined a new European agreement supporting the use of “third-country hubs” to process or hold rejected asylum seekers and foreign offenders awaiting deportation. The political declaration was signed by all 46 member states of the Council of Europe during a ministerial meeting held in Chișinău, Moldova.

The agreement supports measures allowing governments to transfer certain migrants to countries outside Europe, provided those locations are considered safe and comply with human rights standards. The declaration forms part of wider discussions among European governments over how to manage asylum applications, deportations and irregular migration following continued pressure on migration systems across the continent.

Return hubs proposed outside Europe

Under the proposal, rejected asylum seekers whose claims have failed could be transferred to designated third countries while arrangements are made for their return to their country of origin. The agreement also refers to the possible transfer of foreign nationals convicted of offences who are awaiting removal from Europe. Although no official locations have yet been confirmed, several countries have reportedly been discussed in connection with possible return hub agreements. Rwanda remains linked to previous UK deportation plans, while Ghana and Tunisia have also been mentioned in reports surrounding potential offshore processing arrangements.

Albania has emerged as another reference point after Italy developed migrant processing facilities there under a separate bilateral agreement. Several European governments are closely monitoring the Albanian model as discussions continue over future migration policy. A group consisting of Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark and Greece has also been working jointly on proposals for return hubs outside Europe, though negotiations with potential host countries remain ongoing.

UK government previously explored similar plans

The UK government has already been exploring the use of third-country return hubs following the cancellation of the previous Rwanda deportation policy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed earlier this year that discussions had taken place with several countries regarding possible agreements to receive rejected asylum seekers from the UK.

The new European declaration reflects a broader shift among governments seeking alternatives to long-term detention or accommodation within their own borders while deportation cases are processed. The UK’s participation in the agreement also marks continued cooperation with European partners on migration issues despite Britain no longer being a member of the European Union.

Human rights concerns raised

The proposal has faced criticism from human rights organisations, refugee charities and legal experts, who argue that transferring asylum seekers to countries outside Europe could weaken protections guaranteed under international law. Critics have warned that migrants could face legal uncertainty, poor detention conditions or limited access to asylum procedures depending on where the hubs are established.

Several organisations have also questioned whether such arrangements would comply fully with the European Convention on Human Rights. The Council of Europe stated that any transfer system must respect existing human rights obligations and only involve countries considered safe under international standards.

Migration pressure remains central political issue

Migration continues to be one of the main political issues facing governments across Europe, particularly following increases in irregular arrivals through Mediterranean and Channel crossing routes. Several European countries have introduced tougher border measures, accelerated deportation procedures and new asylum restrictions in recent years.

Supporters of the third-country hub model argue that current systems are under strain and that governments require additional mechanisms to manage failed asylum claims more effectively. Opponents maintain that responsibility for asylum processing should remain within Europe and warn that offshore systems risk creating long-term humanitarian and legal problems.

Further negotiations expected

The declaration signed in Moldova is expected to lead to further negotiations between participating governments over how third-country arrangements could operate in practice. No official list of confirmed host countries has yet been published, and no timeline has been announced for implementation.

Any future agreements would likely require separate bilateral negotiations between individual governments and host nations, alongside legal review under domestic and international law. For now, the agreement represents a significant political signal that European governments, including the UK, are increasingly willing to consider offshore migration arrangements as part of broader efforts to reduce irregular migration and speed up deportation procedures.