(de-news.net) – Germany and several EU partners are pursuing new migration agreements with Rwanda, Egypt and Nigeria to increase returns and curb irregular migration. While a potential return hub in Rwanda has raised legal and humanitarian concerns, the SPD is advocating broader residence rights for refugees who work, study or otherwise contribute to German society. The debate underscores the challenge of balancing stricter migration controls with labor-market needs and the growing economic participation of immigrants.

Germany and four other EU member states are reportedly preparing a migration agreement with Rwanda that could lead to the establishment of the bloc’s first return facility outside European territory as early as 2027. According to diplomatic sources, the five countries intend to announce the agreement on Monday.

Under the proposed arrangement, rejected asylum seekers who cannot be returned to their countries of origin could be transferred to facilities in third countries. Such return hubs would require agreements between the participating EU member states and the countries hosting them. Any arrangement would also have to comply with applicable international law and human rights standards.

The legal framework is provided by the EU Return Regulation, which was approved by the European Parliament and representatives of member states in June. The legislation, finalized by EU countries in October as part of a broader tightening of migration policy, allows for the establishment of return centers but does not require member states to create them.

The legality and practical implementation of such arrangements nevertheless remain contested. In April, an Advocate General at the European Court of Justice concluded that Italy’s controversial deportation facilities in Albania did not, in principle, violate EU law. The opinion also emphasized that people transferred to such facilities must retain access to essential safeguards, including contact with family members, legal representation, language assistance and communication with the relevant authorities.

Human rights organizations and church associations have warned that the arrangements could effectively permit migrants to be held in prison-like institutions beyond EU territory. They have also raised concerns that people transferred to third countries could face persecution, torture or other serious human rights violations. The International Rescue Committee, Caritas and Save the Children have additionally highlighted the risks of prolonged detention, legal uncertainty and potential violations of children’s rights.

Historical background and cost considerations

The idea of transferring migrants to countries outside the EU is not new to German migration policy. The previous coalition Government under Chancellor Olaf Scholz had already examined possible arrangements involving third countries. In July 2024, however, the SPD-led Interior Ministry pointed to the substantial costs such schemes could entail compared with accommodating refugees in Germany.

Rwanda announced in late August that it was holding discussions with Germany and other European countries. Italy has also reportedly expressed interest in reaching an agreement. One potential location is the transit center in Gashora, approximately 60 kilometers from the Rwandan capital, Kigali. The facility has housed migrants stranded in Libya since 2019.

Relations between Germany and Rwanda have previously been affected by developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In early 2025, Germany postponed scheduled Government consultations with Rwanda in response to the country’s support for the M23 militia’s offensive against Goma. Although diplomatic sources now identify Rwanda as the leading candidate for a return hub, Uganda and Uzbekistan have also been considered as possible locations.

Justice Ministry raises legal and political concerns

Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) has warned that substantial legal, practical and political questions remain unresolved. According to sources from her department, the Justice Ministry has not been formally involved in the ongoing negotiations between several EU member states.

Any prospective agreement would therefore require careful scrutiny, particularly regarding its compatibility with European and international law, conditions in the potential host country and the political commitments already agreed within the Federal Government.

The coalition reportedly reached an internal understanding during negotiations over the EU Return Regulation. Under that arrangement, transfers of people required to leave Germany to return hubs would be considered, if at all, only under specific conditions. The understanding was necessary to secure the coalition’s support for the regulation.

IOM discusses possible involvement

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has confirmed that it has held discussions with several countries, including EU member states, about possible return hubs and comparable arrangements. However, the organization stressed that it does not participate in intergovernmental agreements on repatriation, despite its extensive experience supporting migrants in transit.

Any IOM involvement would depend on a formal request from the receiving country’s Government and assurances that the necessary protection safeguards were in place. The organization said its assistance was provided independently of the political circumstances surrounding individual arrangements. German coalition sources have suggested that the IOM could potentially support migrants at the facilities.

The proposals have also drawn criticism from opposition politicians who question their legal basis and humanitarian implications. Clara Bünger, a Left Party legislator who visited Rwanda in late October as part of a parliamentary delegation, described a possible agreement as legally questionable, particularly if people facing deportation could not obtain legal representation. Green Party lawmaker Ulle Schauws, who also traveled to the country, argued that the proposed transfers were irresponsible given Rwanda’s continuing efforts to address the consequences of the 1994 genocide.

EU seeks expanded migration cooperation with Egypt

The EU is also seeking to strengthen its cooperation with Egypt to reduce irregular migration along the central Mediterranean route. During a visit to Cairo on Thursday, EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner (EPP) argued that the bloc needed to address migration challenges more directly in countries of origin and transit.

According to Frontex figures published in September, 19,411 irregular arrivals were recorded along the central Mediterranean route between January and August 2026. Algerians, Somalis and Bangladeshis were among the most frequently identified nationalities. Reports indicate that substantial numbers of migrants travel through Egyptian airports before continuing toward Libya and subsequently Greece or Italy.

Egypt introduced a new transit visa requirement this year for Bangladeshi travelers. Under the arrangement, applicants must obtain authorization through the Egyptian Embassy in Dhaka before departure rather than receiving a visa upon arrival. The EU is monitoring how the measure is implemented and supports extending the requirement to additional nationalities.

Cooperation against migrant smuggling is another priority. A new working arrangement between Egypt’s Interior Ministry and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL) is planned to strengthen coordination with European security authorities and improve cooperation in addressing smuggling networks.

EU approaches readmission agreement with Nigeria

A readmission agreement between the EU and Nigeria is also reportedly close to completion. According to media reports, Brunner visited Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, on Monday to finalize an arrangement covering migrants required to leave EU territory. A signing ceremony is expected during his visit.

The negotiations had continued for approximately a decade before reaching a breakthrough in March 2026. The proposed agreement is intended to accelerate return procedures, with the EU offering financial assistance as part of the broader cooperation. Up to 119 million euros has been allocated for support to refugees and displaced people, with a further 66 million euros potentially available subject to an agreement.

Brunner has described cooperation with Nigeria as part of a wider effort to counter irregular migration and organized criminal networks, including migrant smugglers and human traffickers. He has also emphasized that effective deportations are an important component of the partnership.