Five EU countries are negotiating the establishment of return hubs
Germany (together with Austria, Denmark, Greece, and the Netherlands) is negotiating with Rwanda regarding so-called “return hubs.” This has been reported by *Der Spiegel* and the ARD magazine *“Report Mainz,”* among others . The five EU member states have been working together for several months to prepare agreements on deportation centers outside the EU.
According to reports, representatives from Germany and the four other EU countries are set to travel to Rwanda in the coming days. Further talks “at the technical level” are scheduled to take place there.
"Technical-level" discussions mean that experts and specialists discuss practical, organizational, and legal conditions. Only then do political decision-makers (such as ministers or heads of government) reach a final agreement.
A spokeswoman for the Rwandan government had previously confirmed talks with EU countries regarding a possible migration agreement. However, no decision has been made yet.
The Federal Ministry of the Interior also confirmed to *Der Spiegel* that talks are underway regarding return hubs. However, the ministry has so far declined to disclose which third countries Germany is negotiating with. In addition to Rwanda, Uganda and Tunisia have also been mentioned as possible partner countries in recent months.
Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) stated a few weeks ago that initial agreements on return hubs could still be reached by the end of 2026.
New EU legislation lays the groundwork for return hubs
Return hubs are closely linked to the new European asylum and migration policy. The Common European Asylum System (CEAS) has been in effect since June 2026. In addition, the European Parliament has adopted new rules for the return of people without the right of residence (EU Return Regulation).
This marks the first time the EU has established the legal framework for setting up return hubs in third countries.
Important: The fact that EU law permits return hubs does not mean that Germany can decide on its own in which country a hub will be established. Germany (and other EU member states) need the consent of the respective third country to do so. The country must therefore be willing to accept the individuals concerned.
It is also important to note that the EU imposes strict rules on return hubs. The third country must respect international human rights and international law. In addition, the principle of non-refoulement applies. No one may be returned to a country where they face persecution, torture, or any other serious danger.
What are return hubs—and who is supposed to be housed there?
Return hubs are planned return centers in countries outside the European Union. They are intended to temporarily house people who do not have the right to reside in the EU and must leave the country.
This would primarily affect individuals who are subject to an enforceable removal order —for example, because their asylum application was lawfully denied or deemed inadmissible. Individuals whose Residence permit residence permit or visa has expired, been revoked, or been withdrawn could be affected.
Placement in a return hub should be considered primarily when return to the country of origin is not immediately possible—for example, due to a lack of travel documents, an unconfirmed identity, or because the country of origin refuses to readmit the individual.
From the return hubs, the subsequent repatriation process will be organized. From there, the individuals concerned could be transported to their country of origin or—if the legal requirements are met—to another country willing to accept them.
Under current rules, unaccompanied minors are not to be housed in return hubs. For families with children, however, no such exclusion has been provided for thus far. It also remains unclear how long people are to be housed in a return hub.
Return Hubs in Rwanda Have Not Yet Been Decided
It is not yet clear whether a return hub will actually be established in Rwanda. According to recent media reports, negotiations are underway with the Rwandan government. An agreement has not yet been reached.
Many practical and legal questions also remain unresolved. These include, for example, how the centers will be organized, what residency status people there will be granted, and how their rights will be safeguarded.
The only thing that is certain so far is that Germany and other EU countries intend to make significant progress on the plans for return hubs before the end of this year. It remains to be seen whether an agreement will be reached by 2026 and in which country such a center might be established.
