British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has revealed plans to open discussions with foreign nations about establishing “return hubs” for asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected in the United Kingdom.
Speaking during an official visit to Albania on Thursday, Starmer told GB News that the UK government is exploring the possibility of setting up these return centers as part of its efforts to manage irregular migration.
“We are now in talks about return hubs, where individuals who have completed the UK asylum process and are due to be removed can be returned through such arrangements,” he stated.
Starmer’s government is facing mounting pressure to curb the influx of irregular migrants, particularly those arriving via small boats.
The growing popularity of the anti-immigration Reform UK party, led by Nigel Farage, has intensified calls for tougher immigration measures.
Last year, under Labour’s leadership, the UK officially dropped a controversial plan to send undocumented migrants to Rwanda.
However, the issue of migration remains a key concern.
During his two-day visit to Albania, Starmer emphasized the need to crack down on illegal migration.
His trip comes just days after announcing a series of new immigration policies, including stricter limits on foreign care workers, extended residency requirements for settlement, and increased powers to deport non-citizen offenders.
The recent policy announcements are widely seen as an attempt to counter the rising influence of Reform UK, which made significant strides in the latest local elections.
Labour had previously pledged in its general election manifesto to bring down net migration, which stood at 728,000 in the 12 months leading to June last year.
The number had reached a record high of 906,000 in 2023, a sharp increase from the previous decade’s average of around 200,000.
Alongside record levels of legal migration, the UK has also experienced a surge in irregular arrivals.
According to data compiled by AFP from the UK’s Home Office, more than 12,500 people have crossed the English Channel so far this year.
