The key facts
- Germany, Austria, Denmark, Greece and the Netherlands are preparing an agreement on a migrant return center in Rwanda — AFP, citing diplomatic sources.
- Transfers of migrants denied asylum could begin in early 2027; final arrangements are expected in the coming weeks.
- Uganda and Uzbekistan were previously mentioned as possible locations; human rights advocates fear violations of migrants' rights.
Agreement on a Center in Rwanda
Five European Union countries — Germany, Austria, Denmark, Greece and the Netherlands — are preparing to conclude an agreement on opening a special center in Rwanda for migrants denied asylum in Europe. According to AFP, citing diplomatic sources, final arrangements are expected in the coming weeks, and the transfer of migrants could begin as early as early 2027.
Who Is Planned to Be Transferred
The new mechanism is intended for foreigners who must leave EU territory but cannot be returned to their home countries — due to lack of documents, difficulties in arranging returns, or because they are evading migration authorities or moving to other EU countries. Under the project participants' plan, such people would be placed in a so-called return center outside the EU while the question of their further return or another legal status is being resolved. The participating countries expect to speed up deportations and reduce the number of migrants remaining in Europe without legal grounds.
Background and Disputes
The idea of offshore deportation centers has been discussed in the European Union for several years: Uganda and Uzbekistan were previously mentioned as possible locations, but Rwanda has now become the most likely candidate. The initiative is controversial due to potential violations of migrants' rights: human rights organizations fear that transferring people outside the EU will complicate oversight of their detention conditions and compliance with international obligations.
The European Commission's Position
In early October, the European Commission called for a tougher approach to illegal migration. European Commissioner Dubravka Šuica stated that foreigners without legal grounds to stay in Europe must leave its territory. According to her, Brussels intends to develop cooperation with African and Middle Eastern countries to speed up the return of migrants.
