In addition, Spain has asked the EU to deploy Frontex border guards to process asylum applications from minors who are still in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in Morocco. Until now, Frontex has only been used by EU countries to prevent the arrival of asylum seekers.
Five EU countries are seeking locations outside Europe where rejected asylum seekers can be sent. The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Greece are holding talks with countries outside the European Union about joint return centres. Rwanda and Uganda have come into consideration.
Return Camps
European representatives have conducted talks in recent weeks about options for housing rejected asylum seekers outside the EU. These centres are intended for people who no longer have the right to remain in an EU country. They could stay there while awaiting further return to their country of origin or transit to another country.
Promotion
The five participating EU countries could jointly make use of such centres. They will meet next week in Copenhagen to discuss this but have so far made little information public.
Human rights organizations warn about the consequences of detaining migrants outside the European Union. Concerns also exist regarding the protection and legal status of migrants and asylum seekers at potential sites in the Western Balkans.
Afghanistan
In addition, the European Parliament is considering the return of migrants and asylum seekers to Afghanistan. The human rights committee is discussing the issue following meetings between the European Commission and representatives of the Islamic Emirate. The human rights situation in Afghanistan also plays a role.
Another migration issue is unfolding in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in Morocco. Spain has asked the European Commission for extra help from Frontex to process thousands of migrants still residing there. Madrid wants ten additional Frontex staff for registration, screening, and information gathering.
Frontex
Spain also says the European Asylum Support Office should assist. The agency can provide support in conversations with migrants and deploy interpreters. Individual assessment is important to establish who can receive protection and for whom a return procedure can be initiated. This would mean asylum applications would no longer be processed by the EU countries, but by EU officials.
The situation arose after more than 70,000 people entered Ceuta from Morocco at the end of July. Most left or returned, but thousands remained, including many minors. Their presence has led to increasing tensions and protests among residents of Ceuta.