Migrants to Be Sent Outside Europe Greek City Times

The European Union is moving toward a significantly tougher migration policy, with the European Parliament approving plans to establish “return hubs” outside EU territory, a measure strongly supported by Greece.

The initiative forms part of the broader European Pact on Migration and Asylum, which aims to tighten procedures for handling irregular migration and increase deportations of those not eligible for asylum.

Greek Migration and Asylum Minister Thanos Plevris has backed the policy, positioning Greece among a core group of EU states pushing for stricter external migration controls.

What are ‘return hubs’?

“Return hubs” refer to processing centres located outside the European Union, where migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected would be transferred pending deportation.

The model draws comparisons to the UK’s Rwanda policy and similar initiatives explored by Italy in Albania. While specific host countries have not yet been confirmed, the concept is designed to send a clear message: those entering Europe illegally will not be allowed to remain.

Greece, along with Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Belgium, has supported the establishment of such centres as part of the EU’s external migration strategy.

Faster procedures and stricter controls

Under the new framework, migrants entering Greece irregularly will undergo mandatory screening within seven days, including identity checks, health assessments and security controls.

Asylum procedures will then be split based on the applicant’s profile:

• Low-recognition nationalities (such as migrants from countries with low asylum approval rates) will face fast-track border procedures lasting up to 12 weeks, combined with mandatory detention.
• If their application is rejected, they will be placed in immediate return procedures, reinforcing what officials describe as a “return or detention” approach.

By contrast, applicants with stronger refugee claims will follow the standard asylum process, which can last up to six months, and may later enter the workforce in sectors facing labour shortages.

Two types of migrant centres

The new system also foresees two distinct types of facilities:

• Closed detention centres, similar to Amygdaleza, for those awaiting deportation
• Reception and integration centres, like Koutsochero, for recognised refugees entering employment pathways

EU solidarity and Greece’s position

For the first time, the EU will introduce a mandatory solidarity mechanism, allowing member states to support frontline countries like Greece through relocations, funding or operational assistance.

At the same time, Greece has secured bilateral agreements with several EU countries—including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and France—ensuring that migrants who moved onward after applying for asylum in Greece will not be returned under previous obligations.

This effectively gives Greece a “clean slate” at the start of the new pact, with no obligation to accept returns during the first year of implementation.

Migration pressure rising

The policy shift comes amid ongoing instability in the Middle East, raising concerns across Europe about increased migration flows and prompting governments to adopt stricter border and asylum measures.