Denmark says it hopes to start deporting migrants to non-EU ‘return hubs’ as early as next year

Denmark has announced plans to send rejected asylum seekers to return hubs in third countries by 2027, as it participates in discussions with four EU nations on establishing migrant detention centers outside the European Union.

Danish Migrations Minister Morten Bodskov disclosed that the country anticipates sending the first foreigners to a partner country by the end of the following year. The minister met with German, Dutch, Austrian, and Greek counterparts in Copenhagen to discuss the creation of deportation centers.

This move aims to enhance the efficiency of the asylum and migration system, according to Bodskov. He emphasized that Denmark does not believe foreigners staying illegally in the country should be rewarded due to the challenges associated with returning them.

In June, the European Parliament endorsed stricter migration rules, granting authorities broader detention powers and enabling the establishment of return hubs. However, the proposal has faced significant criticism from human rights groups.

While the specific partner country or countries remain undisclosed, Uganda and Rwanda are reportedly among the potential options. Britain previously canceled its plan to deport undocumented migrants to Rwanda, and Italian-run facilities designed to process migrants in Albania have encountered legal challenges and limited participation.