German interior minister pushes for stricter migration measures, return centers

Germany’s Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is advocating for tougher migration policies across Europe, including the creation of so-called return centers for rejected asylum seekers who cannot be sent back to their countries of origin.

Speaking to the Münchner Merkur, Dobrindt said these centers should be located as close as possible to the migrants’ home countries, Caliber.Az reports per German media. 

While return centers are being discussed at the EU level, Dobrindt expressed skepticism about Brussels’ ability to implement them effectively, calling for some EU member states to take a leading role in the effort.

The minister has also highlighted broader measures, including stronger protection of the EU’s external borders, increased deportations to countries such as Syria and Afghanistan, and expanded acceptance of asylum seekers rejected by non-EU states.

Drone flights for border surveillance, which have been widely debated recently, are also part of the discussions surrounding his proposals.

By Sabina Mammadli