Greece to launch first non-EU migrant return hub in Central Africa by 2027

Greek Migration Minister Thanos Plevris said an agreement with a third country outside the European Union is expected by 2026, paving the way for the first non‑EU migrant return centre to become operational in 2027. The hub will be located in a Central African country, though the exact location has not been disclosed.

The initiative is supported by five European states – Greece, Germany, Austria, Denmark and the Netherlands – which have agreed to cooperate on establishing the centre. The plan was discussed at a recent Council of Migration Ministers meeting in Luxembourg.

A GPO poll shows that 55.3% of Greek citizens favor the creation of such detention centres in Africa for irregular migrants, with higher support among voters of New Democracy and Greek Solution and opposition from SYRIZA and KKE respondents.