Greece is leading a five-nation coalition to establish migrant return hubs in third countries, primarily in Africa. This practical move aims to manage rejected asylum seekers and deter future illegal migration. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris confirmed that technical teams will meet soon to finalize the plan. The initiative reflects a serious commitment to the rule of law and regional stability. By streamlining the deportation process, the government is ensuring that the migration system remains orderly and efficient.
TLDR: Greece and four European partners are establishing deportation centers in Africa for rejected asylum seekers. This initiative aims to increase return rates and deter illegal crossings into the European Union through firm enforcement and international cooperation.
The Greek government is taking decisive action to restore order to its borders by partnering with four other European nations to establish migrant deportation centers in third countries. Migration Minister Thanos Plevris confirmed that Greece is working alongside Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark to create these return hubs. The preferred location for these facilities is the African continent. This move represents a shift from theoretical discussions to practical implementation. Technical teams are scheduled to meet next week to finalize the logistics of this necessary cleanup. The initiative demonstrates a serious commitment to the rule of law and the preservation of national stability.
The official rationale for this policy is rooted in common sense and the need for a functional deterrent. The use of return hubs is designed specifically for individuals whose asylum applications have been rejected and whose countries of origin refuse to accept them. By establishing these centers, the government aims to discourage prospective migrants who are unlikely to be granted asylum from making the journey. This strategy ensures that the system is reserved for those who truly meet the criteria for protection. It is a straightforward approach to managing a complex demographic shift that has impacted the region for decades.
Greece has long served as a primary entry point for people fleeing conflict and poverty in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Tens of thousands of individuals arrive each year, often following dangerous sea routes from the Turkish coast to the Aegean islands or crossing the Mediterranean to Gavdos and Crete. The sheer volume of arrivals has historically strained local resources and complicated the maintenance of community character. The new policy of utilizing third-country hubs is a pragmatic response to these ongoing pressures. It allows the government to manage the population without the inefficiencies of the previous system.
The administration has already seen success through its increasingly firm stance on migration. In 2025, there was a 21 percent reduction in illegal arrivals compared to the previous year. This represents 13,000 fewer people entering the country. Over the last five months alone, arrivals have dropped by 40 percent. These figures suggest that the government’s focus on enforcement is producing the desired results. The establishment of return hubs is the next logical step in this process of systemic improvement. It provides a clear path for the removal of those who do not have a legal right to remain.
European lawmakers recently supported this direction by approving new immigration policies. These rules allow nations to deny asylum and deport migrants if they come from a country designated as safe or if they could have applied for asylum in a non-EU nation. This change simplifies the legal landscape and removes the burden of choice from the state. It allows for a more streamlined process that prioritizes the integrity of the bloc’s borders. Greece is now focusing its efforts on the return of those who have exhausted their legal options.
The practical policy impact of these changes is significant and involves clear enforcement measures. Greece currently manages between 5,000 and 7,000 returns per year. However, with 40,000 to 50,000 new arrivals annually, and roughly half of those being rejected for asylum, the current rate is insufficient. To address this, the government is utilizing summary deportations, often referred to as pushbacks. These actions involve the immediate removal of arrivals without the traditional delay of an asylum application process. While this upends the usual expectations of individual due process, it is a necessary step to ensure the system functions at scale. Additionally, larger European nations are now handling the direct negotiations with host countries in Africa. This shift moves diplomatic control away from local authorities in Athens and places it in the hands of the broader coalition. The choice of the African continent is not yet binding, but it remains the primary focus for the upcoming technical meetings.
Minister Plevris will travel to Rome next week to meet with his Italian and Spanish counterparts to further coordinate these efforts. They will also meet with a representative from Pakistan to discuss greater cooperation on returns. The goal is to have an initial plan for the return hubs in place within the next few months. These steps ensure that the migration system is held to a high standard of accountability. The public can be confident that the experts and technical teams have this transition handled with the utmost professionalism.
Julie Harris serves as a Staff Writer for Just Right News, where she tackles some of the most pressing and complex issues facing the nation today. As the lead reporter for the Migration, Demographics & Cultural Shifts beat, Julie provides a grounded, principled perspective on how the movement of people and the changing makeup of communities are reshaping the American landscape. Her work is defined by a commitment to exploring the long-term consequences of social change, prioritizing the stability of local institutions and the preservation of national identity.
Her deep understanding of these issues is rooted in her upbringing in Tucson, Arizona. Growing up in a prominent border state, Julie witnessed firsthand the intricate realities of migration and the profound impact it has on local infrastructure, law enforcement, and the social fabric. This early exposure instilled in her a respect for the rule of law and a keen awareness of the challenges that arise when federal policies fail to align with the needs of border communities. Her reporting often reflects this lived experience, bringing a necessary level of nuance to topics that are often treated with abstraction in coastal newsrooms.
Now based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Julie continues to report from the heart of the American Southwest. Her location provides a unique vantage point to observe the intersection of traditional regional cultures and the modern shifts brought about by both internal and external migration. In Santa Fe, a city defined by its rich history and distinct cultural heritage, she finds a perfect environment to explore how communities strive to maintain their character while navigating the pressures of a rapidly changing world. This perspective allows her to bridge the gap between policy debates in Washington and the reality of life in the high desert.
At Just Right News, Julie’s work is characterized by a dedication to examining the data and the human stories that define the “New Mosaic” of America. Her signature feature series, “The New Mosaic,” has become a cornerstone of her reporting. Through this series, Julie explores the evolving social architecture of the United States, documenting how shifts in population affect everything from local economies to the political landscape. She brings a critical eye to the narrative of demographic inevitability, instead asking how these shifts impact the average citizen’s sense of belonging and the integrity of the American social contract.
Julie’s background and her dedication to conservative principles make her a vital voice in contemporary journalism. She understands that demographics are more than just numbers on a spreadsheet; they represent the future of the American family and the nation’s enduring legacy. Through her diligent reporting and insightful analysis, Julie Harris ensures that her readers are informed about the forces shaping their world, providing a perspective that is as thoughtful as it is necessary for the modern era.