The caretaker government of Kosovo has expressed its willingness to engage in discussions with the United Kingdom regarding the proposal to establish “return centers” in Kosovo for asylum seekers rejected by the British authorities.
This statement follows reports that the UK is considering Kosovo as one of the potential countries to host migrants who have completed the appeals process for asylum in Britain, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Kosovo government spokesperson Përparim Kryeziu told RFE/RL, “We are eager to assist the United Kingdom—our friend, partner, and ally—as well as its Labour government.”
“We believe it is fair to say that we can begin discussions on this topic, but all our state institutions must be involved, and the decision will ultimately depend on their recommendations. Many questions will need to be answered beforehand,” Kryeziu added.
The proposal to create return centers is part of a broader UK strategy to manage the rising number of migrants arriving illegally to the British Isles.
According to The Times, these centers would serve as temporary housing for asylum seekers who have exhausted their appeals and are awaiting deportation.
However, the international organization Human Rights Watch has raised concerns, warning that using Balkan countries as migrant processing zones could violate human rights and pose new challenges for host countries.
In a recent statement, HRW urged the EU and UK to stop using the Balkans as a “warehouse for migrants.”
Albania already hosts return centers for migrants sent back from Italy, while the British government recently announced a €6 billion investment package in North Macedonia.
In March, the EU also took steps to allow member states to process asylum requests outside the borders of the 27-member bloc.
In a similarly controversial agreement in 2022, Kosovo and Denmark reached a deal to lease 300 prison cells at the Gjilan Correctional Facility to house foreign prisoners slated for deportation after completing their sentences in Denmark.
In exchange, Kosovo will receive over €200 million, which will be invested in the country’s correctional service and renewable energy projects.
