Thu May 15 18:08:24 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans to discuss establishing “return hubs” for failed asylum seekers, aiming to curb irregular migration to the UK. This move comes amid pressure to reduce migrant arrivals, growing support for anti-immigrant parties like Reform UK, and the abandonment of a previous deportation scheme to Rwanda. Starmer recently unveiled stricter immigration policies, including limiting overseas care workers and increasing the time required for migrants to qualify for settlement, in an effort to regain public confidence and address concerns over high net migration figures.

**News Article:**

**UK Considers “Return Hubs” for Asylum Seekers Amid Immigration Concerns**

**London, May 15, 2025** – Under pressure to curb irregular migration and counter the rising popularity of anti-immigrant parties, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced today that the UK will begin discussions on establishing “return hubs” for failed asylum seekers.

Speaking from Albania during an official visit, Starmer told GB News that the hubs would facilitate the return of individuals who have been through the UK asylum system. This announcement follows the Labour government’s decision last July to abandon a controversial scheme to deport undocumented migrants to Rwanda.

The Prime Minister’s move comes as the UK faces growing concerns over high levels of both legal and irregular migration. Net migration reached 728,000 in the 12 months to last June, following a peak of 906,000 in 2023. Meanwhile, over 12,500 migrants have crossed the English Channel so far this year, according to official figures.

Starmer recently unveiled a range of new immigration policies aimed at reducing these numbers, including restrictions on overseas care workers, doubling the time required for migrants to qualify for settlement, and increased powers to deport foreign criminals. These measures are widely seen as an attempt to address public concerns and fend off support for hard-right parties like Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, which gained ground in recent local elections.

The announcement of potential “return hubs” signals a further hardening of the UK’s stance on immigration as the government seeks to balance its international obligations with domestic political pressures.

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