Nordic ministers explore a joint return hub outside the EU

Sweden and its Nordic neighbours are exploring a joint centre outside the EU for people ordered to leave. Ministers have agreed to revisit the discussions in December, but have not announced a host country or an opening date.

A joint statement published on Friday records their openness to a shared return and reintegration hub in a safe third country. The Swedish government hosted the migration talks in Stockholm on 22–23 October.

The idea could change where people facing removal from Sweden are sent. EU rules approved earlier this month allow countries to establish such hubs for people without a right to remain who have received a return decision.

Transfers would require an agreement with the receiving country. Under the adopted text, that country must respect international human-rights standards, including the ban on sending people to places where they face persecution or serious harm. Unaccompanied children are excluded from this route.

Where an agreement provides for onward return, it must also set out what happens if that return is impossible and provide for independent monitoring.

The Nordic statement does not establish a centre or order anyone’s removal. Ministers plan to follow up alongside the EU justice and home affairs meeting in December.

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