Europe's Bold Plan: New Deportation Hubs in Africa

Greece, in collaboration with four European nations, aims to establish deportation centres in Africa for rejected asylum seekers. This initiative seeks to serve as a deterrent for potential migrants. The countries involved are holding discussions, with plans expected in the coming months.

Greece has joined forces with Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark to establish deportation centres in third countries, potentially in Africa, for migrants denied asylum. The announcement was made by Greece's migration minister, Thanos Plevris, on Greek state television.

Ministers from these nations have already convened to deliberate over the logistics, with technical teams set to meet next week. Return hubs serve a dual purpose: housing rejected asylum seekers while discouraging future migrants who may face similar rejections. According to Plevris, this strategy aims to reduce illegal entries and manage the influx more effectively.

While Greece continues to defend itself against accusations of unlawful pushbacks, it highlights a significant decrease in illegal arrivals. Nonetheless, with current return rates falling short of incoming numbers, Greece is actively seeking stronger partnerships with countries of migrants' origin to bolster returns.

(With inputs from agencies.)