The United Nation’s refugee agency has endorsed Labour’s plan to deport rejected asylum seekers to “return hubs”.
Sources have described the development as a “game-changing” shift, coming shortly after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper raised the idea of paying Balkan nations to accept the UK’s failed asylum seekers during talks with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
According to The Times, the Government is exploring the creation of a network of offshore processing hubs for individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected, with the Balkans identified as a potential region for such facilities.
Insiders say discussions are underway with countries including Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, and North Macedonia.
The United Nation’s refugee agency has endorsed Labour’s plan to deport rejected asylum seekers to 'return hubs'
GETTY
A UNHCR document, which outlines the “need for effective return systems and the potential role of return hubs,” suggests the agency would be open to assisting countries like the UK in establishing these arrangements- provided they do not conflict with UNHCR’s mandate to safeguard refugee rights.
The UK may follow a similar approach to Italy, which currently operates two asylum processing centres in Albania for migrants intercepted in the Mediterranean Sea.
The agreement between Italy and Albania, viewed by some as contentious, allows Italy to shift part of its migration processing responsibilities abroad.
In the UK’s case, the UNHCR has stated that any such arrangement would require oversight to ensure that human rights standards are “reliably met.”
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“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,” one source said.
Another insider 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 cooperation to dismantle the criminal smuggling gangs profiting from small-boat crossings.”
This comes as a record number of migrants have made the dangerous journey across the Channel this year.
On Friday, 51 refugees were rescued by Border Force. One migrant reportedly died due to a medical emergency.
On Friday, 51 refugees were rescued by Border Force. One migrant reportedly died due to a medical emergency
GETTYShadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “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.”
