Keir Starmer faced a significant setback today as he announced plans for Rwanda-style ‘return hubs’ just as Albanian PM Edi Rama ruled out hosting such facilities. During a press briefing in Tirana, Rama emphasized that Albania’s agreement with Italy was a unique one-off due to geographic considerations. Starmer, without disclosing specific nations involved, mentioned discussions with several Balkan states, aiming to send failed asylum seekers overseas. The UK plans to fund these so-called return hubs, marking a diverging approach from the previous government’s contentious Rwanda scheme.
The initiative comes in response to a striking 40% rise in illegal crossings in 2025, which saw over 12,000 arrivals, raising questions about Labour’s commitment to addressing the issue. Downing Street has asserted that these discussions are fundamentally different from the Rwanda model, with plans targeting only those who have exhausted their asylum appeals. Aiming to deter further crossings, officials believe that quick removals could prevent unsuccessful asylum seekers from embedding themselves in the UK. Observers have termed this plan as ‘Rwanda-lite’, highlighting its aims to comply with international obligations while addressing the pressuring issue of migration.
FAQ
What are Rwanda-style ‘return hubs’?
Return hubs are proposed facilities where the UK would send failed asylum seekers to be returned overseas, rather than keeping them in the UK during their removal process.
Why did Edi Rama rule out hosting a return hub?
Rama clarified that Albania’s unique agreement with Italy does not extend to hosting return hubs, emphasizing geographic and relational factors.
What is the current state of asylum seeker arrivals in the UK?
In 2025, over 12,000 asylum seekers arrived in the UK, marking a 40% increase compared to the previous year.
How does the new plan differ from the Rwanda scheme?
The current proposal involves only failed asylum seekers who have completed their appeals, unlike the previous Rwanda scheme, which aimed to send migrants directly and with no return options.
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Keir Starmer, Edi Rama, asylum seekers, return hubs, UK immigration policy, Rwanda deportation scheme, Balkan states, illegal crossings, Labour Party, international obligations
