# European offshore migration return hub proposals > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-offshore-migration-return-hub-proposals > Updated: 2026-09-05T23:26:32.000Z. Sources: 128. Developments: 8. European nations continue to explore the establishment of offshore migration return hubs in African countries to process asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected. In early September 2026, ministers from Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands—acting as the ‘Group of Five’ or ‘Core Group’—met in Copenhagen to advance discussions on these deportation centres. The coalition aims to finalize a partnership agreement with a non-EU country by the end of 2026. The group has established three core principles for the initiative: reducing irregular migration, undermining human smuggling business models, and ensuring all hubs are developed through mutually beneficial partnerships that comply with international human rights standards. While Uganda and Rwanda have been identified as potential partners, no official locations have been confirmed. Denmark has indicated it expects to be prepared to transfer an initial group of approximately 100 migrants to such a facility by the end of 2027. Greek Minister for Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris stated a goal of having these centres operational by 2027. Proponents emphasize that these hubs are intended to be ‘open facilities’ where individuals can live and work, rather than traditional detention centers. Danish Immigration Minister Morten Bødskov emphasized that these hubs are intended as ‘opportunities’ for individuals who cannot return to their home countries. The plan remains highly controversial. Amnesty International has warned that such centres risk becoming ‘cruel black holes for human rights,’ while the Council of Europe has expressed significant concerns regarding legal protections. Additionally, the UNHCR noted it has not yet been provided with specific details regarding the proposal. ## Claims - Germany aims to reach an agreement with third countries to establish return centers by the end of 2026. (disputed by 10 sources) - Germany aims to reach an agreement with a third country for the establishment of return centers by the end of this year. (disputed) - The Group of Five consists of Denmark, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, and Greece. (corroborated by 28 sources) - Denmark expects to be ready to send the first migrants to a partner country by the end of 2027. (corroborated by 25 sources) - Uganda and Rwanda are potential candidate countries for hosting return hubs. (corroborated by 15 sources) - The Group of Five is scheduled to meet again in Munich at the end of September. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The European Parliament approved new migration rules in June to accelerate deportations. (corroborated by 12 sources) - The participating countries agreed on a roadmap for creating Return Hubs in safe third countries, particularly in Africa. (corroborated by 8 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-05: Five EU nations plan migrant return centres outside the bloc Five EU nations—Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Greece—are planning to establish migrant return centres in non-EU countries, aiming for operational status by 2027. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/five-european-nations-plan-migrant-return-centers-outside-the-eu ### 2026-09-03: Group of Five EU nations plan offshore migrant return hubs Five EU nations—Germany, Austria, Denmark, Greece, and the Netherlands—are planning to establish migrant return hubs in non-EU countries, with operations potentially starting by 2027. 88 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/denmark-targets-2027-for-first-offshore-asylum-processing ### 2026-09-01: Denmark hosts talks on offshore asylum deportation centres European ministers are meeting in Copenhagen to discuss establishing asylum deportation centres in Rwanda and Uganda, a move criticized by Amnesty International as a risk to human rights. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/denmark-hosts-talks-on-offshore-asylum-deportation-centres ### 2026-08-26: EU nations negotiate migrant return centers in Uganda and Rwanda Five EU nations are negotiating to establish migrant return centers in Uganda and Rwanda to manage irregular migration, despite ongoing legal concerns regarding human rights and regulatory frameworks. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-nations-negotiate-migrant-return-centers-in-uganda-and-rwanda ### 2026-08-21: European Union discusses migration management in third countries EU ministers are discussing the use of third-country return hubs for migrants, though high costs and legal precedents like the UK-Rwanda deal raise concerns about feasibility. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-union-discusses-migration-management-in-third-countries ### 2026-08-21: EU nations negotiate ‘return hubs’ for migrant deportations EU member states, including Germany and Austria, are negotiating the establishment of ‘return hubs’ in third countries like Rwanda to process and deport rejected asylum seekers. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eu-nations-negotiate-return-hubs-for-migrant-deportations ### 2026-08-12: Uganda proposed as site for EU migrant return center Five EU nations, including Germany and Greece, are negotiating to establish a migration return center in Uganda for up to 10,000 rejected asylum seekers by 2027. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uganda-proposed-as-eu-site-for-irregular-migrant-return-hub ### 2026-08-07: Rwanda enters migration talks with European nations for transit hub Rwanda is in preliminary talks with several European countries, including Italy, to act as a transit hub for migrants through an emergency mechanism, following new EU policy shifts. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-and-rwanda-negotiate-external-asylum-hub-in-east-africa --- Cite as: European offshore migration return hub proposals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-offshore-migration-return-hub-proposals