Africa. Several European countries are moving toward adopting new migration policies based on deporting rejected asylum seekers to African nations instead of returning them to their countries of origin.
In Greece, the Ministry of Migration announced that it is holding talks with several African governments to establish reception centers for migrants whose asylum requests have been denied, so that they can be transferred there under bilateral agreements.
This step reflects a broader trend within the European Union to address the migration crisis beyond its borders by outsourcing it to third countries in exchange for financial or political support.
Greece, one of the main gateways for migrants entering Europe, faces growing pressure from right-wing parties calling for stricter border controls and tougher policies.
Other countries, such as Italy and Denmark, have also expressed interest in similar arrangements, inspired by the United Kingdom’s plan with Rwanda — a plan that ultimately sparked major legal and ethical controversies and was later suspended.
The African Response: Between Rejection and Pragmatism
African reactions to these plans have been mixed. Some governments have shown a willingness to negotiate in exchange for economic or political gains, while others have firmly rejected the idea, viewing it as an attack on national sovereignty and an attempt to turn the continent into a “human dumping ground” for European migration policies.
Civil society organizations across Africa warn that receiving deported migrants could worsen social tensions and strain public services, particularly in countries already suffering from weak infrastructure and limited resources.
International Dimensions
These plans mark a shift in European migration policy toward deterrence through mass deportations — an approach often associated with the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
The European Union aims to reduce the number of arrivals across the Mediterranean but faces criticism for ignoring the root causes of migration, such as conflict and poverty.
Migration experts warn that such policies could further strain relations between Europe and Africa, especially if they are imposed without balanced agreements that respect the interests of both sides.
