Taoiseach Simon Harris stated that the proposition for the European Union to delegate certain aspects of its asylum policy to non-member countries should not be distorted or likened to UK’s flawed plan of sending refugees to Rwanda. The EU leaders convened in Brussels for a conference where subjects like stringent migration and asylum rules, conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East were on the agenda.
Among the items deliberated was the feasibility of establishing ‘return hubs’ in non-EU countries, which would host the asylum seekers whose applications have been dismissed, before sending them back to their home nation. Harris emphasised the need to separate this proposition from UK’s unsuccessful Rwanda policy and lays stress on cautious handling so such failed examples do not become conflated with EU’s objectives.
In addition, EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen confirmed she would deem such ideas where asylum seekers who are denied in the EU could be directed to such ‘return hubs.’ These would likely be situated in nations under agreements with the EU, probably reciprocating substantial funding.
He also criticised the Rwanda policy which proposed that asylum seekers from safe countries coming to Britain such as France could be expelled to Rwanda, an African country, and stay there if granted asylum. He mentioned that this approach was neither sane nor adhered to human rights norms or laws. But failure of this model doesn’t mean all alternative methods are flawed, added Harris.
“The proposition for developing “return hubs” for immigrants had been earlier suggested by a team from 15 countries, however, no official proposition has yet been approved by the European Commission, which initiates the law making process within the EU. The ruling conservative party of the Netherlands is actively considering the proposal to transport African asylum seekers, whose applications have been denied, back to Uganda, voiced the nation’s Trade and Development Minister, Reinette Klever, later on Wednesday. The plan was discussed during the Minister’s visit to the East African nation, as per Reuters, but the legality and feasibility of it remains uncertain, as well as Uganda’s acceptance.
Uganda’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Jeje Odongo, stated to Dutch broadcasters NOS that they were “open to any discussions”. Speculation also buttressed regarding a probable general election announcement before the year ends, to which Mr. Harris said he would have discussions with his Coalition colleagues “in due course”. Similarly, Tánaiste Micheál Martin had on Wednesday hinted that he would not oppose an summer election, provided certain crucial legislations were passed in the forthcoming weeks. Mr. Harris refused to discuss his plans for election timing through media, stating, “My desire is for the Government to complete the ongoing work. In accordance with my constitutional rights, I will then seek the most suitable time.”
As he put forth, the Government should consider new proposals with an “open mind” to alleviate the strain countries are enduring due to large-scale migration. He highlighted that although the Irish are compassionate, they would like some “firmness” in their country’s asylum system. He concluded by stating that “any European action must be supported by our common European values, international law, human rights, and fulfilling our humanitarian duties.”