Greece Approves Faster Migrant Deportations, Plans Return Hubs Outside EU
Greece's Parliament passed legislation on June 9 to accelerate deportations of rejected asylum seekers and establish "return hubs" in third countries once bilateral agreements are finalized. The move follows an EU agreement last week allowing member states to send migrants ordered to leave the bloc to processing centers outside Europe. Greece aims to have these hubs operational by 2027, though rights groups have warned the arrangement could enable abuses.
Greece's Parliament approved new legislation to expedite the deportation process for rejected asylum seekers and enable their transfer to "return hubs" located outside the European Union, contingent on bilateral agreements with third countries. This action follows a broader EU decision made the previous week that permits member states to establish such external processing centers. Greece, positioned as Europe's primary Mediterranean entry point for migrants, has experienced renewed pressure with increased migrant boat arrivals on islands near the African coast in recent years. The Greek government is collaborating with the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, and Austria on joint return and transit hubs, while separate bilateral negotiations with Uganda have been paused. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris indicated that EU states are targeting their first operational agreements by 2026, with hubs becoming functional in 2027, though he did not disclose which African countries Greece is consulting with.
What's missing
The specific mechanisms for ensuring migrant protection and legal safeguards within these return hubs are not detailed. Additionally, the article does not provide information on the capacity, funding, or operational structure of the proposed hubs, nor does it elaborate on the specific criticisms from rights groups beyond a general warning about potential abuses.
What different sources said
- The Straits TimesCenter
Greece approves quicker migrant returns, aims to set up return hubs
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