The UK is in active talks to establish return hubs for failed asylum seekers, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed during his first official visit to Albania. The aim is to create overseas processing centres for individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected in the UK, in an effort to reduce illegal migration and ease pressure on domestic systems.
Return Hubs to Target Rejected Asylum Seekers Only
Speaking at a press conference alongside Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Starmer said the UK is in discussions with multiple countries to set up return hubs, but declined to name the nations involved. Albania, however, has publicly ruled out participation in any such deal, despite being at the centre of speculation about Western Balkans involvement.
“These hubs are an important innovation to manage returns and maintain control of our borders,” said Starmer. He clarified the hubs would be used only for individuals with no remaining right to appeal in the UK asylum system.
Policy Distinct from Rwanda Scheme
The return hub initiative is distinct from the scrapped Rwanda scheme implemented by the previous Conservative government. That policy, which Sir Keir cancelled, involved transferring asylum seekers abroad before their claims were assessed.
In contrast, the current proposal would only apply to those already rejected and deemed removable. A similar plan between Italy and Albania is currently stalled due to legal challenges.
Rama dismissed speculation about Albania’s involvement, saying: “We said no because we are loyal to our marriage with Italy.” Conservative critics quickly seized on this statement, with Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp branding the trip “an embarrassment”.
UK-Albania Cooperation Targets Crime and Migration
Despite Albania’s exclusion from the return hub proposal, Starmer announced enhanced cooperation with the country on illegal migration and organised crime. The Joint Migration Task Force will expand to include North Macedonia, with additional investments in forensics, border surveillance, and intelligence sharing.
The UK government will also:
• Invest £1 million to upgrade Albania’s digital forensics and biometric capabilities
• Fund a new DNA-tracking programme for criminal investigations
• Launch reintegration initiatives for young Albanians to prevent re-migration
• Provide drone technology to assist Balkan law enforcement in disrupting smuggling routes
Record Channel Crossings Drive Urgency
More than 12,000 people have crossed the Channel so far in 2025, putting the UK on track for a record-breaking year of small boat arrivals. The government claims a 95% drop in Albanian arrivals over the past three years and a doubling of deportations.
Sir Keir insists his administration is committed to restoring control over borders, saying: “The last government lost control. We’re now focused on smashing the gangs and fixing a broken system.”
The return hub proposal and tougher migration strategy follow the publication of a White Paper on legal migration, which outlines stricter visa requirements and aims to counter the rise of Reform UK, whose hardline immigration stance has gained traction in recent local elections.
