NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya is among several countries being considered by European governments as potential hosts for rejected asylum seekers under a new migration plan aimed at accelerating deportations from the European Union.
According to Dutch media reports, the Netherlands is leading discussions on establishing so-called “return hubs” in third countries where migrants whose asylum applications have been definitively rejected would be transferred while awaiting deportation to their countries of origin.
Kenya is the preferred option, alongside Rwanda and Benin, although the proposal remains at an exploratory stage.
The initiative forms part of broader reforms under the European Union’s Migration and Asylum Pact, which seeks to strengthen the bloc’s ability to return people who no longer have the legal right to remain in Europe.
The new framework also allows EU member states to explore partnerships with countries outside the bloc to host rejected asylum seekers under agreed conditions.
Dutch broadcaster RTL Nieuws reported that the Netherlands is working with Germany, Austria, Denmark and Greece to assess countries that could host the facilities, with officials evaluating political stability, security and compliance with international human rights standards.
Kenya was identified as a leading candidate because of its relative political stability and economic position in the region.
However, no agreement has been reached between Kenya and any European government.
Dutch authorities have declined to comment on specific countries under consideration, saying discussions remain diplomatically sensitive, while reports indicate that consultations are still ongoing.
The proposal has drawn criticism from human rights organisations, which argue that expanding the use of offshore return hubs could expose asylum seekers to prolonged detention and weaken international refugee protections.
The European Commission, however, says the reforms are intended to improve the efficiency of migrant returns while maintaining legal safeguards.
Kenya currently hosts more than 850,000 refugees and asylum seekers, mainly from neighbouring countries including Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, making it one of Africa’s largest refugee-hosting nations.
