UK to Begin Talks on “Return Centers” for Rejected Asylum Seekers Amid Channel Crossings Crisis

Watan-The United Kingdom intends to begin discussions with other countries regarding “return centers” for individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected, as the government seeks to implement a stricter crackdown on small boats crossing the English Channel, according to the British news agency (PA Media).

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during a visit to Albania on Thursday, announced that the government would begin exploring the possibility of sending rejected asylum seekers to a third country for consideration before deportation.

The government did not provide any comments on which countries would participate in the talks, but it is understood that the issue will not be part of the agenda for the Prime Minister’s meetings in Tirana on Thursday.

The announcement comes in the same week that the number of people crossing the channel in small boats surpassed 12,000 this year, putting 2025 on track to be a record-breaking year for crossings.

Starmer stated that the creation of return centers would not be a “magic solution” to stop the crossings. However, alongside other measures aimed at combating smuggling gangs and returning individuals who have no right to remain in the UK, this would “allow us to tackle this pernicious trade and ensure we stop these people from crossing the Channel.”

If established, the return centers would target rejected asylum seekers who are attempting to delay their deportation or have lost their documents.