Starmer Eyes Kosovo Return Hubs Amid Migrant Surge

The UK Labour government, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is considering establishing 'return hubs' in Kosovo and other Balkan countries to temporarily house and process failed asylum seekers before deportation after all legal appeals are exhausted. Kosovo leads a shortlist of nine locations, though its president Vjosa Osmani says no formal talks have started. The plan comes after Albania rejected a similar proposal, despite UK efforts to replicate Italy's offshoring migration deal with Albania. It is intended to help the UK close asylum hotels and address a 37% rise in small boat arrivals in 2025. The government sees the initiative as a new tool to complement efforts against people-smuggling gangs, but critics, including Tories and NGOs, question its deterrent value and legal basis. The UK aims to advance the scheme ahead of the Western Balkans leaders summit in London this autumn.