Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Denmark Plans First Migrant Returns to Non-EU Hub
Denmark wants to send some migrants who do not have legal permission to stay to a center outside the European Union.
The center would be used while arrangements are made for their return.
Denmark says it could send the first people there by the end of 2027.
The plan is being discussed with Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Greece.
These countries are working together as the “Group of Five.”
They have not said which non-EU country might host the center.
The European Parliament recently approved rules intended to make deportations faster.
Human rights officials warn that people in these centers could face unfair treatment or detention.
The minister’s statement also referred to being ready “by the end of next year,” creating a timing discrepancy with the report’s 2027 date.
Denmark says it expects to send migrants without legal residency to a return hub outside the European Union by the end of 2027.
Immigration Minister Morten Bodskov will meet ministers from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Greece in Copenhagen.
The five countries, known as the “Group of Five,” aim to agree on concrete steps toward a partnership with a non-EU country.
Denmark has not identified which country or countries could host the proposed return hub.
The Council of Europe warned that such arrangements could create risks including ill-treatment and arbitrary detention.
- Who
- Denmark, led on this issue by Immigration and Integration Minister Morten Bodskov, together with Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Greece.
- What
- The countries are planning a return hub outside the European Union for migrants without legal residency.
- When
- Denmark says it expects to send the first migrants by the end of 2027; the minister’s quoted statement separately says “by the end of next year.”
- Where
- The proposed hub would be in a non-EU partner country; the ministerial meeting will take place in Copenhagen.
- Why
- The initiative is intended to speed up the return of migrants without legal residency, while critics say it could weaken asylum safeguards and create human rights risks.
Supporters of Return Hubs
Critics and Human Rights Officials
Faster deportations
Supporters of Return Hubs
Supporters say facilities outside the European Union could help member states return migrants who lack legal residency more quickly.
Critics and Human Rights Officials
Critics argue that faster returns could weaken safeguards for asylum seekers.
Detention outside the EU
Supporters of Return Hubs
The European Parliament approved rules allowing member states to set up detention centres abroad as part of an effort to improve deportation procedures.
Critics and Human Rights Officials
The Council of Europe warned that transfers to third countries pose considerable human rights risks, including ill-treatment and arbitrary detention.
Partnership with a non-EU country
Supporters of Return Hubs
Denmark and four other countries are seeking a concrete partnership arrangement with a non-EU country to host a return hub.
Critics and Human Rights Officials
Opponents raise concerns about how migrants’ rights would be protected in a country outside the European Union, though the prospective host country has not been identified.
- Expected first returns
- By the end of 2027, according to the report
- Countries involved
- Denmark, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and Greece
- Group name
- The “Group of Five”
- Host country
- Not yet identified
- European Parliament action
- Approved a migration-policy overhaul in June aimed at speeding up deportations and allowing detention centres abroad
- Human rights warning
- The Council of Europe cited risks including ill-treatment and arbitrary detention
- Location of ministerial meeting
- Copenhagen