The United Kingdom is considering the possibility of establishing return centers for rejected asylum seekers in the Western Balkans, including Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is part of the British government’s new migration policy, aimed at reducing the number of illegal migrations and managing the deportation of individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected more efficiently.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed in early June that the UK is in talks with “several countries” about establishing such centers, describing them as “an important innovation.” According to the British newspaper The Times, countries being considered as potential locations include Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Metohija, and North Macedonia. A total of about nine countries are reportedly in the running.
The idea has caused more concern in Britain than among the countries where the migrants would be sent.
According to media reports, the MI6 intelligence agency has warned that these countries are under Russian influence, which could make British infrastructure vulnerable to Russian agents. It was particularly emphasized that Russian citizens could easily gain access to these facilities.
While Albania has refused to participate in the program, the president of the self-proclaimed state of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, stated that her country is open to talks about a potential agreement with the UK. However, experts warn of legal obstacles, as Kosovo is not a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights and is not recognized as an independent state by some European countries.
The British government plans to announce the final destinations for the return centers by autumn, when a summit of Western Balkan leaders will be held in London. The issue of illegal migration is expected to be one of the key topics of the meeting.
Despite intense diplomatic efforts, frustration is growing within the British government over the slow progress in developing a concrete model for the operation of these centers. The UK’s Home Office and Foreign Office are currently refusing to comment on the details of the plan.
Source: ATV
