Netherlands advances plans for migrant ‘return hubs’ outside EU
The Netherlands is moving ahead with plans to establish migrant “return hubs” outside the European Union, with initial steps expected within months. The proposal would transfer asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected in the EU to centers outside the bloc. A legal review found no obstacles, and the plan is being discussed with Greece, Germany, Austria, and Denmark.
The Netherlands is advancing plans to create migrant “return hubs” outside the European Union, with initial steps expected within months, Politico reported Monday, citing Migration Minister Bart van den Brink. “Across Europe, people are asking for credible and workable solutions to regain control over migration,” van den Brink, who is also deputy prime minister, told Politico. He added that such solutions are “taking shape” and considered legally viable. The proposed system would see asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected in the EU transferred to centers located outside the bloc, as part of efforts to reduce irregular migration and improve return procedures.
Legal and political context
According to a letter sent by the Dutch government to parliament, The Hague is exploring processing asylum applications outside EU territory in cooperation with other member states. The plan is being discussed with several European partners, including Greece, Germany, Austria, and Denmark—all of which have supported stricter migration measures. A legal review commissioned by the Dutch government concluded that there are no legal obstacles to the plan. The first return hub is expected to be established outside the bloc, though the location has not yet been announced, with negotiations ongoing with potential host countries.
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