‘Return hubs’ as a solution for failed asylum seekers
In de media image: Julie Ricard on Unsplash
Failed asylum seekers do not often return to their country of origin. The European Commission sees ‘return hubs’ as a solution. Dr Mark Klaassen discussed the proposal on ‘EenVandaag’: ‘I can imagine that such a return hub will act as an incentive.'
European countries have been struggling for years with how to allow asylum seekers who have exhausted all legal remedies to return to their country of origin. At the moment, 80 percent of these people simply remain in Europe. The European Commission sees 'return hubs' as the solution to this problem. A return hub is a centre outside the EU that serves as a temporary reception point for migrants. Currently, there is one such centre in Albania, which acts as a return hub for migrants from Italy who have exhausted all legal remedies.
According to Dr Klaassen, the Commission's proposal is a first step towards legislation: 'The Commission emphasises that human rights must be respected and that there must be prospects of residence and return.' He points out that it is not the intention to lock up asylum seekers in these centres without a plan. Klaassen: 'The entire EU is struggling with the problem of returning those who have exhausted all legal remedies and the lack of cooperation from countries of origin. I can imagine that such a return hub will act as an incentive for asylum seekers who have exhausted all legal remedies to leave on their own accord, so that they do not have to go there.'
More information?
Read the full article on the site of EenVandaag
Watch the broadcast of EenVandaag
Read the full interview in NRC newspaper
Please note the above media items are all in Dutch.