UK 'return hubs' proposal and Albania's refusal
Status: Stalled for Albania; UK talks with other countries not confirmed in sources reviewed.
Summary
In May 2025 Keir Starmer, visiting Tirana, said the UK was in talks with several countries to host 'return hubs' for failed asylum seekers. Rama rejected hosting a UK facility, calling the UK plan 'totally unacceptable, totally ridiculous, totally shameful', while saying Italy's arrangement is a 'one-off' that Albania would not replicate for the UK. Albania and the UK kept a strategic partnership and a 2022 returns arrangement. No 2026 Albanian agreement to host a UK hub was found.
Key facts
- Starmer announced 'return hubs' talks in May 2025 during a visit to Albania.
- Rama: 'totally unacceptable, totally ridiculous, totally shameful' (AA, 26 June 2025).
- Rama on Italy: 'When Italy asks us for something, we say yes, full stop.' (same source).
The record
Four lists kept apart on purpose: what is established, what is only alleged, what is still open, and what those concerned said.
What is proven (1)
Established by documents or official records, as stated in the research. A recorded charge or indictment proves only that the accusation was made.
- Albania refused to host a UK return hub (reported statements, 2025).
What is alleged (1)
Accusations, not findings. Those accused are presumed innocent.
- AllegationReports that the UK considered Serbia, Bosnia and North Macedonia (Times, via search summary).
Open questions (2)
- Whether any UK-Western Balkans hub agreement was concluded in 2026.
- What exactly the May 2025 UK-Albania strategic partnership commits on migration.
Responses (1)
Responses of the people and organisations concerned, as recorded.
- Rama: UK plan 'totally shameful' (June 2025).
Timeline
Full timeline →International
Starmer in Tirana announces 'return hubs' talks; Rama rejects a UK hub
UK in talks with several countries; Rama says Albania will not host a UK hub. Strategic partnership signed in May 2025 (per reports).
Government
Rama calls UK return-hub plan 'totally shameful'
Rama: plan 'totally unacceptable, totally ridiculous, totally shameful'; Italy: 'when Italy asks us for something, we say yes, full stop'.
Sources for this record
Every source the research cites for this record, grouped by its source label. 6 sources.
Source label: Officially reportedOfficially reported · 6 sources
- Publisher
- Anadolu Agency
- Date
- 26 Jun 2025
- Publisher
- LBC
- Date
- May 2025
- Publisher
- King's College London
- Date
- May 2025
- Publisher
- Intellinews
- Date
- May 2025
- Publisher
- Express & Star (PA)
- Date
- undated
- Publisher
- City AM
- Date
- May 2025