In the latest twist in Britain’s controversial immigration policy, the UK government is now turning to Kosovo and North Macedonia in the hope of establishing “asylum return hubs” after Albania publicly rejected a similar proposal. These hubs are intended to house failed asylum seekers temporarily, a key part of the UK’s strategy to reduce illegal migration and ease pressure on domestic services.
While no formal requests have yet been made, both Balkan nations have expressed a willingness to discuss the idea—marking a cautious but potentially pivotal opening in the UK’s search for partners to support its post-Brexit border and asylum policy overhaul.
What Are “Return Hubs”?
The UK government is exploring the idea of “return hubs”—offshore facilities where failed asylum seekers could be sent temporarily before being deported to their country of origin. Unlike the Rwanda plan, which involved sending individuals to a third country regardless of the status of their asylum claims, these hubs would only process migrants whose UK claims have been legally rejected.
The move comes amid increasing political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration to bring down migration figures and address growing public dissatisfaction with the current system. Supporters argue the hubs would reduce the strain on UK detention centers, speed up deportations, and deter illegal channel crossings. Critics, however, warn of the human rights implications and the risks of offshoring immigration control to foreign states.
Albania’s Refusal to Host Failed Asylum Seekers
Albania was initially seen as a potential partner in the return hub project. However, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama dismissed the proposal during a high-profile visit from UK officials, stating unequivocally that Albania would not engage in any migration deal with Britain. The reason? A prior exclusive agreement with Italy to host migrants processed through Italian borders.
This rejection was a political blow to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had hoped to replicate the Rwanda model in a more diplomatically acceptable form. The Albanian refusal left the UK scrambling for alternatives in the Balkan region, with eyes now turning to Kosovo and North Macedonia.
Kosovo and North Macedonia’s Openness
In a sign of potential cooperation, leaders from Kosovo and North Macedonia confirmed that while no official approach has been made by the UK, they are open to discussing the idea. Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani stated that the issue “requires careful legal consideration” but did not rule out future talks. Similarly, North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski acknowledged his country had not been approached but said, “We remain open to diplomatic engagement.”
This cautious willingness stands in contrast to Albania’s firm rejection and may signal a path forward for the UK. However, both nations face internal and regional challenges that could complicate any such deal, including EU integration goals, economic concerns, and public opinion.
The UK’s Broader Migration Strategy in the Balkans
Alongside the search for return hubs, the UK is intensifying its collaboration with Balkan states to crack down on smuggling networks and irregular migration routes. The Joint Migration Task Force—initially created with Albania—is being expanded to include North Macedonia and Montenegro. This initiative is focused on intelligence sharing, law enforcement training, and coordinated border control operations.
British Home Office officials believe that bolstering security cooperation in the Balkans is key to reducing the flow of migrants into Western Europe. These efforts are part of a wider regional strategy aimed at deterring illegal crossings before migrants even reach the English Channel.
Still, the success of this approach hinges on diplomatic finesse, funding, and the willingness of Balkan governments to balance their domestic interests with the UK’s increasingly assertive migration policies.
