European countries consider sending rejected asylum seekers to Kenya
CAPTION: President William Ruto speak during a meeting in Nairobi recently. Photo: William Ruto. Source: Twitter
By Our reporter
NAIROBI – The Dutch government is primarily considering Kenya as a potential partner to establish a deportation centre for asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected in the Netherlands.
The sources said discussions involving the African countries are still at an exploratory stage, with government and diplomatic institutions assessing the feasibility of such arrangements.
” Kenya is the most obvious choice. It is relatively prosperous, and the political situation is reasonably stable,” the Dutch government stated.
Which other countries are mulling sending asylum seekers to Kenya?
The Netherlands, alongside Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Greece, is part of a group of European Union countries exploring partnerships with nations outside Europe to host rejected asylum seekers.
The deportation of asylum applicants who have exhausted all legal avenues is a key element of the European Migration Pact, which recently came into force.
Which other countries are under consideration?
The Dutch government is also considering Rwanda, despite worries about the country’s human rights violations.
Another alternative under consideration is Benin, which is in West Africa; however, talks with the nation have not yet started.
The relevant ministers will receive a briefing on the assessment, after which they will choose the Netherlands’ next course of action.
Ruto with ministers from EU countries. Photo: William Ruto. Source: Twitter
Before the end of the year, the administration hopes to make a definitive decision.
The proposed deportation centres would be established outside the European Union to accommodate individuals whose asylum applications have been definitively rejected as they await return to their countries of origin.
What did the European Commission say?
According to the European Commission, such facilities must be located in politically stable countries and operate in line with international human rights standards.
Finding a suitable country willing to host rejected asylum seekers from Europe has proven difficult so far.
Under the previous Cabinet, the Netherlands explored the possibility of using Uganda as a deportation centre, but the proposal faced criticism from human rights and refugee organisations due to Uganda’s strict anti-LGBTQIA+ laws.
The current Cabinet has since decided to place discussions with Uganda “on hold” following political uncertainty after elections in the country.
What will the US establish in Kenya?
In other news, the US government revealed it engaged with Kenyan officials and remained optimistic that concerns surrounding the proposed Ebola quarantine facility could be addressed.
The response follows temporary orders issued by Kenya’s High Court blocking the establishment of the facility.
The Katiba Institute challenged the project, arguing that it lacked parliamentary oversight, transparency, and adequate public participation.
The US acknowledged the legal challenge filed in Kenya and expressed its willingness to engage with stakeholders in a brief but significant response.
