Germany and four European Union countries are in discussions with Rwanda to establish deportation centers for rejected asylum seekers. This initiative is part of a confidential project aiming to create ‘Return Hubs’ outside Europe by the end of the year.

Germany, along with Austria, Denmark, Greece, and the Netherlands, is reportedly in negotiations with Rwanda to set up deportation centers for individuals whose asylum applications in Europe have been denied. These centers, described as ‘Return Hubs,’ are part of a broader plan by a group of European nations that have labeled themselves as ‘the Implementers.’ Their goal is to identify partner countries willing to host such facilities outside Europe.

A delegation from these European governments is expected to travel to Rwanda next week to hold technical-level discussions about the proposed centers. The plan aims to streamline the repatriation process for migrants who have had their asylum claims rejected, with the ambition of finalizing agreements by the year’s end. Italy is reportedly also considering a similar arrangement with Rwanda, though it is not part of the core group currently engaging in these talks.

Rwandan government officials have confirmed initial discussions with European countries on a potential migration agreement, but no formal decisions have been reached yet. Both the German and Austrian interior ministries have acknowledged the negotiations, albeit highlighting their confidential nature. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has previously expressed support for establishing ‘Return Hubs’ as part of Europe’s strategy to manage migration more effectively.