UK Seeks ‘Migrant Return Hubs’ In Other Countries For Asylum Seekers

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday announced that the UK is in talks with several third world nations to set up “return hubs” for those who await deportation amid the recent crackdown on immigration. The statement came during Starmer’s visit to Albania alleging the concept to be “a really important innovation” aimed at tackling irregular migration. 

While holding talks with Albania, Starmer posted on X asserting that, “Working together with Albania, we will deter, detect, and return illegal migrants. By tackling illegal migration overseas and smashing the gangs at source, we’re making our streets safer and easing pressure on public services. That is my Plan for Change in action.” 

Albania already shares a similar deal with Italy involving a five-year agreement where 36,000 immigrants could be sheltered each while they await asylum. The agreement, however, differs from the UK's proposal as Italy would take any migrants whose requests are rejected and attempt to deport them. Italy had earlier returned 40 people to Albania who did not possess Italian residency permits. 

Starmer also added that, “Every step we take to tackle illegal migration overseas, cripple the criminal networks that facilitate it and stem the finance streams that fund it is delivering safer streets in the UK, and reducing the strain on taxpayer funded services. But we cannot take this action alone, through closer partnerships and greater cooperation, we are creating real change with our partners across Europe and delivering on our Plan for Change.”

Starmer had earlier proposed a new set of policies through an immigration white paper where the time period for visa application was increased from five years to ten years. He had also claimed that without stronger immigration curbs, the UK risks becoming an “island of strangers”.