The Netherlands has reached an agreement with Uganda to transfer migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected to a transit centre in Uganda before they are repatriated to their countries of origin.
Dutch Minister of Asylum, Migration and Foreign Affairs David van Weel said the plan, outlined in a Letter of Intent, is intended for individuals unable to return directly or voluntarily to their home countries. The minister stated: “We need to explore what is possible. That’s why we’re taking this step together with Uganda to better manage migration.”
The policy mirrors U.S.-style migration agreements that outsource deportations to third countries. The Netherlands also said cooperation with the European Union, the International Organization for Migration, and the UN Refugee Agency will be part of the arrangement.
Human rights groups have raised concerns over whether such agreements comply with international law and whether the rights of migrated individuals can be safely protected.
