The United Kingdom government has announced plans to establish return hubs in third-party countries to accommodate asylum seekers whose applications have been denied, as part of a broader strategy to tighten immigration controls.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer made the disclosure during a state visit to Albania, where discussions centered on curbing illegal migration.
The move comes as pressure mounts on the Labour-led government to address rising immigration numbers, especially amid a surge in support for the Reform UK party.
Starmer, who recently assumed office, has unveiled a series of tougher immigration measures.
These include a crackdown on legal migration by stopping care homes from hiring foreign workers, curbing the number of student visas, extending the time before migrants can apply for permanent residency, and empowering the government to deport foreign nationals with criminal records.
The announcement follows a significant milestone: over 12,000 people have crossed the English Channel in small boats this year alone, setting 2025 on track to surpass previous annual records.
The rising figures have heightened concerns, particularly as Labour promised during the election campaign to dismantle people smuggling networks.
During a press conference, Starmer confirmed that the UK is engaged in discussions with several countries about establishing the return hubs but declined to name the countries involved.
He described the proposed facilities as a vital component of the government’s broader approach to dismantling smuggling operations.
“We are in talks with a number of countries about return hubs. At the appropriate time, I’ll be able to give you further details in relation to it,” he said.
Providing further insight, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson explained that the hubs would be used to house individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected and who may be deliberately obstructing deportation, including those who have lost identification documents.
The government believes that relocating such individuals to third countries will reduce their ability to exploit legal loopholes, such as forming new family ties in the UK, to delay or avoid removal.
The plan is aimed at speeding up deportation processes and reinforcing the government’s stance on illegal migration.
