European Commission eyes deportation centres beyond EU, raising concerns

The European Commission is considering the establishment of deportation centres for rejected asylum seekers outside the European Union.

This proposal is part of a broader EU policy on the return of asylum seekers, which is set to be unveiled on March 11, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

Currently, EU legislation does not permit the placement of deportation centres beyond the bloc’s borders. However, Brussels has included the idea in its updated policy framework, reflecting a growing desire to address the challenges of migrant returns more effectively.

The Netherlands has been a vocal proponent of this concept for some time, aiming to tackle the complex issue of migrant returns. One potential solution being discussed is the creation of centres outside the EU, where rejected asylum seekers would remain closer to their countries of origin while awaiting deportation.

In the Netherlands, a proposal to open a deportation centre in Uganda has been under consideration for an extended period. Earlier, Reinette Klever, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, sent a special envoy to Uganda to explore the possibility of establishing such a centre. However, no final decisions have been made on this front.

Human rights organizations have raised concerns over the potential risks associated with the creation of such centres. Critics argue that these facilities could lead to increased opportunities for exploitation and abuse, as individuals awaiting deportation may find themselves in vulnerable situations in countries that are not bound by the same legal protections as those within the EU.

By Vafa Guliyeva