Germany, Austria, Greece, Denmark, and the Netherlands, collectively known as the Group of Five, have agreed on concrete steps toward a deal with an unspecified non-European Union country to host migrant return facilities. The group aims to sign agreements this year to send migrants without legal residency to countries outside the EU, signaling a tougher stance on immigration.

Danish Immigration and Integration Minister Morten Bodskov told reporters at a press conference in Copenhagen, "Around New Year, we expect to have a common understanding with a partner country outside of the European Union." He added, "It's a new chance to have a life in a partner country," and mentioned that the five nations would engage in dialogue with the International Organization for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) on next steps.

However, a UNHCR spokesperson stated that the agency had not been approached with details of the proposal and therefore could not comment, raising transparency concerns about the plan.

The Group of Five is scheduled to reconvene in Munich, Germany, at the end of September to advance the initiative. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt confirmed the group's intention "to reach an agreement with third countries this year that will enable the establishment of return hubs."

The European Parliament approved a migration policy overhaul in June aimed at speeding up deportations and allowing member states to set up centers abroad. Critics argue this could weaken safeguards for asylum seekers. The Council of Europe, a non-EU body promoting human rights, warned in July that the proposed return hubs pose "considerable human rights risks."

Danish Refugee Council Secretary-General Charlotte Slente advocated for implementing the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum instead, which focuses on stricter border screening and faster return procedures. She stated, "Return hubs focus on a small number of returns; they will not stop people from taking even more dangerous routes, and they could violate basic human rights." The plan remains controversial, with human rights groups urging caution.

Source: www.aljazeera.com