Uzbekistan Denies EU Talks on Hosting Deportation Centres for Migrants
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan has refuted recent reports suggesting the country is in negotiations with the European Union to establish return centres for migrants who have been denied asylum. The ministry’s press service confirmed the official stance directly to Kursiv Uzbekistan.
The denial comes in response to a June 24 article by Politico which claimed that the EU is considering the creation of migrant return hubs in Rwanda and Uzbekistan. According to the publication the initiative is backed by several EU member states including Germany and Denmark with the first centres allegedly scheduled to open next year.
The report noted that while European governments have expressed interest in partnering with both nations the establishment of any formal agreements remains the prerogative of individual member states. Brussels is also reportedly exploring the possibility of opening an additional African hub in Uganda. Meanwhile European officials have ruled out Egypt and Libya as viable options due to the high risks associated with human smuggling.
Cyprus Migration Minister Nicolas Ioannides indicated that the broader strategy is to locate these migration processing facilities in Africa and Asia rather than anywhere near European borders.
Despite gaining traction the concept faces significant internal opposition. Jean-Nicolas Beuze the UNHCR representative in Brussels dismissed the strategy as a populist approach to a complex issue. The governments of France and Spain have also openly opposed the initiative. Speaking in Brussels last week French President Emmanuel Macron voiced clear scepticism regarding the plan and stated:
«I have never seen return centres in third countries actually work.»
This is not the first time European media has circulated claims about Brussels intending to open migration facilities in Central Asia. Earlier this month the Uzbek foreign ministry issued a similar denial to dispel identical rumours. Officials emphasised that Tashkent is not engaged in and does not plan to hold any discussions on the subject.
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