The Netherlands is in advanced talks with Uganda to establish a transit hub for rejected asylum seekers from the region, though legal and logistical details still need to be worked out, sources have said. Even though the plan is unlikely to be implemented before the October 29 elections, it marks a step forward in the Dutch government's efforts to tighten migration policy and continued European efforts to outsource asylum.
The Netherlands is said to be in the final stages of negotiations with Uganda to establish a facility where individuals whose asylum applications have been denied can be temporarily transferred before being returned to their countries of origin, according to a government official.
The deal could be finalized within days, Reuters cited a source as saying on Wednesday (September 24). Sources also told editors at RTL Netherlands that the Dutch government is close to reaching an agreement with Uganda regarding the return hub for rejected asylum seekers.
A spokesperson for Dutch Migration Minister David van Weel confirmed that discussions with Ugandan officials have been progressing positively. The talks have taken place alongside the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
"There are currently constructive and advanced talks with Uganda about the return of rejected asylum seekers via Uganda," the spokesperson said. While cautioning that the negotiations are not yet complete, the spokesperson noted that the minister is hopeful about the outcome. Further details, including a timeline for any agreement, were not provided.
The facility in Uganda is intended to serve as an initial transit point for rejected asylum seekers from neighboring African countries prior to their return.
Attempts to reach Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting, Reuters noted.
Legal challenges in setting up Ugandan migrant hub
The proposal for a return hub was initially put forward in October by then-Minister for Foreign Trade, Reinette Klever (PVV), during an official visit to Uganda. At the time, Klever described the concept as being in its early stages and in need of further development.
Earlier this year, the European Commission proposed allowing EU member states to establish processing centers in non-EU countries for individuals whose asylum claims have been refused, where they could remain ahead of deportation.
It remains uncertain whether the offshore return hub would align with Dutch domestic law and international law and obligations. There are significant legal challenges in establishing a return hub. The Netherlands is bound by international treaties – and human rights must be upheld throughout the process. It must also be clearly defined how long rejected asylum seekers would remain at the hub, and the reception facilities must meet minimum quality standards. Without these safeguards, Dutch courts can intervene and block the initiative.
Uganda, for its part, is expected to receive compensation, RTL Netherlands reported. The Netherlands will need to provide financial support to cover the costs of hosting the migrants. However, the exact funding and the number of people Uganda is prepared to accommodate have not yet been determined. Initially, the number of transfers is expected to remain low.
Migration set to define upcoming Dutch election
Immigration policy remains a central issue in the lead-up to the Dutch general election scheduled for next month. The current caretaker administration stepped down in June after internal disagreements over proposed restrictions on migration.
The ruling People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) is keen to demonstrate progress on migration ahead of the election on October 29. In recent weeks, the ministries involved have expressed cautious optimism about reaching a deal with Uganda. With the elections approaching, efforts to finalize a deal have gained momentum.
Further details of the agreement still need to be worked out, and it will likely be some time before any rejected asylum seekers are actually transferred from the Netherlands to Uganda. That is also unlikely to happen before the general election. Still, the long-discussed plan for a return hub has now moved a step closer to becoming reality, and other countries are observing with interest to see if the Netherlands successfully implements the offshore transit hub.
Elsewhere, the United Kingdom faced legal setbacks with a similar initiative involving Rwanda. That policy was eventually dropped following a change in government, and previous attempts to implement it were blocked by court rulings.
In 2024, the Netherlands recorded 32,175 asylum applications, a decrease of 16 percent compared to the previous year.