Migration: Germany negotiates with EU states over deportation centres in Rwanda

Germany is negotiating with other European Union member states over the establishment of deportation centers in Rwanda, according to reports from Der Spiegel and the ARD-Magazine Report Mainz. A delegation of European governments, including Germany, Austria, Denmark, Greece, and the Netherlands, is set to travel to Rwanda next week to discuss the creation of so-called “Return Hubs” in the African nation. These hubs would serve as facilities for the repatriation of asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected in Europe. The initiative stems from a group of countries referred to internally as “the Implementers,” which includes Germany and the aforementioned nations. This coalition aims to finalize an agreement with a third country by year’s end. Italy has also expressed interest in forming a similar deal with Rwanda. The plan follows the approval of a new EU return directive in June, which provides the legal framework for establishing such centers in non-EU countries. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt previously stated that initial agreements could be reached this year, though the actual construction of these centers requires cooperation from a third state. Discussions during the upcoming talks will focus primarily on technical aspects related to the operation of these return hubs. According to current reports, the primary goal is to create spaces where individuals whose asylum claims have been denied can be sent. Some participating countries, including Austria, have suggested exploring the possibility of setting up asylum centers as well. Under this model, partner nations might even take responsibility for evaluating asylum applications made by people who fled to Europe, potentially granting them protection if necessary. This effort comes after a failed attempt by the United Kingdom to establish a similar arrangement with Rwanda in 2022. The British government had planned to fund the housing of hundreds of asylum seekers in Rwanda, who would undergo asylum procedures there. However, the Supreme Court in London halted the plan in 2023, citing concerns that asylum seekers might not receive adequate protection and could face further deportations. The Labour Party, which took power in 2024, eventually terminated the agreement. Then-Interior Minister Yvette Cooper described the deal as the “most shocking waste of public money” she had ever encountered, noting costs of approximately 800 million euros. There are growing concerns that a potential agreement with Rwanda could again face legal challenges within the European Union. The Bertelsmann Foundation classifies Rwanda as a “hard autocracy.” Human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch accuse the Rwandan government of suppressing opposition. Additionally, reports suggest that Rwandan military forces support the rebel group M23 in the conflict in neighboring Congo. Other candidate countries for EU “Return Hubs” include Uganda, where the Netherlands has already signed a statement of intent. However, some partner states appear to be reconsidering this option due to greater human rights concerns than those in Rwanda. Reports indicate that LGBTQ+ individuals face persecution in Uganda. In January, security forces stormed the home of opposition leader Bobi Wine, forcing him to flee the country. A spokesperson for Rwanda’s government confirmed earlier this week that preliminary discussions with European governments regarding a non-specific migration agreement have taken place. However, nothing has yet been decided. The interior ministries in Berlin and Vienna acknowledged ongoing talks about “Return Hubs,” although they emphasized that potential partner states cannot be named in advance due to the need for confidentiality in trust-based collaboration.