EU moves closer to creating offshore centres for migrants and asylum seekers

EU moves closer to creating offshore centres for migrants and asylum seekers

On February 10, 2026, the European Parliament voted to approve landmark legal changes that clear the way for offshore "return hubs" outside European Union borders.

 

The key developments include:

Legalized Offshoring: The new rules allow member states to deport asylum seekers to "safe third countries" even if the individual has no prior connection or family link to that country, provided a bilateral agreement exists.

"Return Hubs": These centers will host individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected while they await final deportation.

Implementation Timeline: The measures are expected to take effect in June 2026, coinciding with the full implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

Italy-Albania Model: The vote effectively provides a formal EU-wide legal framework for arrangements similar to Italy's deal with Albania and the Netherlands' potential agreement with Uganda.

Safe Third Country List: Lawmakers also voted to establish a centralized EU-wide list of "safe third countries" to fast-track asylum rejections and deportations.

While proponents argue these hubs will break the business model of human smugglers and restore border control, Amnesty International and other human rights groups have condemned the move as an "abdication of the EU's commitment to refugee protection".