Albania Rejects UK Asylum Return Hub Proposal

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that Britain is negotiating with various countries to establish 'return hubs' for failed asylum seekers awaiting deportation, as part of efforts to reduce illegal migration. During a visit to Albania, Starmer promoted the proposal but was rebuffed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who stated that Albania's deal to host Italian migrants would not be extended to the UK or other nations. The UK government has not specified which countries are being considered for the hubs, though Western Balkan nations are reportedly under discussion. The hubs would process asylum seekers who have exhausted all legal appeals in the UK, aiming to accelerate removals and deter Channel crossings, which reached record levels in 2025. Officials stress that the scheme differs from the previous Conservative Rwanda policy, applying only to those with rejected claims. Starmer emphasized the hubs are one element in a broader, multi-faceted migration strategy.