Labour considers plans to deport failed asylum seekers to the BALKANS and lock them in 'detention centres' - as the number of migrants crossing the Channel hits 5,000 this year LISTEN: Trump, Zelensky, the rise of Europe’s Far Right and what’s next for NATO – listen to Alas Vine & Hitchens wherever you get your podcasts.. By ADAM POGRUND Published: 23:29 GMT, 21 March 2025 | Updated: 23:38 GMT, 21 March 2025 Labour is considering plans to deport failed asylum seekers to the Balkans and lock them in 'detention centres' as the number of migrants crossing the Channel exceeds 5,000 this year. The asylum seekers could be sent to 'return hubs' in the western Balkans - in countries including Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and North Macedonia, after their applications for asylum are rejected. The plans, being drawn up by the government as part of Sir Keir Starmer's approach to stop small boat arrivals, would see Britain paying countries for each person relocated. It comes as Labour faces continued pressure to tackle the small boats crisis as the number of the migrants intercepted and brought to shore by Border force since the beginning of the year hits 5,025 - 24 per cent higher than this stage last year. Earlier this month, more than 1,100 small boat migrants reached Britain in just four days as human traffickers took advantage of calm conditions on the Channel. The prospect of return hubs were strengthened this week after they received support from the UN’s International Organisation for Migration. The body said it would 'advise and assist' countries with their plans. The Netherlands is currently in discussions with the Ugandan government about a return hub. Albania currently has two empty migrant detention centres after Italian plans to use them as asylum processing centres fell through. Labour faces continued pressure to tackle the small boats crisis as the number of the migrants intercepted and brought to shore by Border force since the beginning of the year hits 5,025 Albania currently has two empty migrant detention centres after Italian plans to use them as asylum processing centres fell through The plans, being drawn up by the government as part of Sir Keir Starmer's approach to stop small boat arrivals, would see Britain paying countries for each person relocated Return hubs could be populated with rejected aslyum seekers from countries ruled as unsafe under UK law, such as Iran or Afghanistan. Meanwhile, they could temporarily house those rejected for asylum from countries deemed safe, before they are deported to their home country. Labour has faced criticism over its decision to scrap the Tories’ Rwanda asylum deal, which was designed to deter migrants from risking their lives in the Channel. Their scheme would contrast from the Conservative's Rwanda plans because they would only remove asylum seekers after their case was rejected. The Rwanda plan intended to send illegal migrants to the East African country before hearing their case. A government source told The Times: 'We’re looking at the widest possible set of options with a completely open mind. Any scheme we’d consider would always need to meet the test of being affordable, workable and legal.' The Home Office has been contacted for comment. Keir StarmerLabourRwandaChannel 4 Share or comment on this article: Labour considers plans to deport failed asylum seekers to the BALKANS and lock them in 'detention centres' - as the number of migrants crossing the Channel hits 5,000 this year Add comment