Rwanda deportation center: Germany and four other countries are preparing an agreement
The initiative is drawing criticism from human rights organizations.
Germany, Austria, Greece, Denmark, and the Netherlands have moved closer to an agreement on establishing a special center in Rwanda for housing migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected. The plan is expected to be officially announced on November 16.
The center is planned to receive individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected and who must leave the territory of the European Union, but who cannot be returned to their country of origin.
According to the plan, the center will be part of a system of "return hubs" established outside the European Union. New migration rules allowing the establishment of such centers came into force in October 2026. The five states aim to launch the center's operations in 2027.
The initiative is drawing criticism from human rights organizations. In particular, Marta Velander, a representative of the International Rescue Committee, has stated that such centers could increase the risk of violations of migrants' rights. Rights advocates express concern over the detention of migrants outside the territory of the European Union, their legal protection, and living conditions.
Previously, reports circulated that in addition to Rwanda, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan were also considered as potential partner countries for hosting such centers.
