No 10 mulls using Balkan 'return hubs' for migrants

Failed asylum seekers could be sent to the Balkans under plans being considered by the Labour government to tackle the crisis of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats.

- KATE DEVLIN

Under the government proposals, "return hubs" overseas would house those who have had their applications rejected.

That would set it apart from the Conservatives’ failed Rwanda scheme – in which those who arrived on small boats were to be given a one-way ticket to the African nation, whether they were ultimately deemed eligible for asylum in the UK or not.

The UK could approach Albania as well as Serbia, Bosnia and North Macedonia, according to The Times, which first reported that the scheme was being considered by ministers. Last week, the European Union announced that it was proposing to allow member states to set up the return hubs.