Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the UK is negotiating with several countries to create return hubs for failed asylum seekers. In fact, the UK is in talks to send failed asylum seekers abroad. These facilities would host individuals who have been denied asylum and have no right to appeal. The plan marks a clear shift from the former Conservative government’s Rwanda model.
Starmer delivered this update during his first official visit to Albania. However, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama clarified that Albania is not part of these talks. He explained that Albania only agreed to a similar deal with Italy, citing their “very special relationship.”
“We said no because we are loyal to our marriage with Italy,” Rama stated at a joint press event.
Conservative MP Chris Philp criticized Starmer’s visit, calling it “an embarrassment.” He argued the visit lacked purpose since Albania had already ruled out involvement in return hub talks. “What was the point of this entire visit?” Philp asked.
Despite criticism, Starmer emphasized new measures to combat illegal immigration and organised crime. He announced an expansion of the UK-Albania partnership and said cooperation with North Macedonia will now extend the Joint Migration Task Force. This team tracks smugglers and shares intelligence across the Western Balkans.
On Monday, the government introduced a new White Paper to reduce legal migration. Starmer denied that the proposals respond to Reform UK’s rising popularity, insisting the changes aim to restore order. “The last government lost control of the borders,” he said. “We are taking back control.”
Starmer highlighted recent success in curbing Albanian migration. According to government figures, small boat crossings by Albanian nationals have dropped by 95% over three years. Returns of Albanian migrants have also doubled.
The government is also targeting what it calls a “revolving door effect.” This refers to migrants returning to their home country and then quickly reentering the UK. The enhanced border cooperation aims to close those loopholes.
As the UK in talks to send failed asylum seekers abroad debate unfolds, the government remains focused on long-term migration control.
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