UK Explores Overseas Hubs for Failed Asylum Seekers in Albania

Tirana, Albania – The UK is initiating talks to establish overseas “return hubs” for failed asylum seekers, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced during his visit to Albania on Thursday. This initiative marks a new chapter in the UK government’s approach to managing immigration and organized crime.

Starmer’s announcement follows the news that over 12,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats this year, raising urgency around illegal immigration. “What we want to do is to have discussions on return hubs, where someone has been through the system in the UK and needs to be returned effectively,” Starmer said during an interview with GB News.

Details about which countries might participate in these talks remain undisclosed, but the negotiations are expected to focus on Western Balkan nations, including Albania, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. This proposal only applies to asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected and who have exhausted all appeals in the UK.

Starmer emphasized that the return hubs will not serve as a “silver bullet” for the immigration issue. “When combined with other measures against smuggling gangs, this strategy will help us address this vile trade and significantly reduce crossings,” he stated.

In contrast to the previous UK government’s Rwanda resettlement plan, which was scrapped by Starmer, these return hubs aim to process failed asylum seekers in third countries. Currently, Italy runs a similar scheme involving sending failed asylum seekers to Albania pending their deportation, although it has faced legal challenges.

Starmer also plans to foster deeper cooperation with Albanian authorities in combating organized crime and illegal migration. During his visit, he remarked, “The last government lost control of the borders. I am determined we will retake control.” He noted that Italian operations with Albania have proven effective in reducing the flow of small boat crossings.

Further measures are expected to be revealed, including the expansion of the Joint Migration Task Force, which coordinates responses to smuggling in the Western Balkans. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp criticized the announcement, labeling Starmer’s visit as “pure theatre,” arguing the returns deal with Albania was an initiative of the prior Conservative government.

Discussions about migration will also be a focal point during the upcoming European Political Community summit in Tirana, where defense and safety concerns, particularly relating to Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, are set to be addressed.