Germany has joined a group of European Union countries working on a plan to set up migrant return hubs outside the EU. The initiative aims to deport rejected asylum seekers to third countries through coordinated agreements.

Speaking after an EU interior ministers’ meeting in Cyprus, German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said participating states will prepare a clear roadmap and define concrete next steps in the coming weeks. The group hopes to reach agreements with third countries later this year.

Alongside Germany, Austria, Denmark, Netherlands, and Greece are currently involved. The European Commissionis closely engaged, although political responsibility remains with the participating member states. More countries may join the initiative later.

At the same time, deportations from Germany have increased sharply. According to figures from the Federal Ministry of the Interior reported by German media, around 23,000 people were deported in 2025. This represents a 15 percent increase compared to the previous year and a 45 percent rise compared to 2023.

Dobrindt said the data shows a clear change in migration policy, pointing to higher return numbers, fewer incentives for irregular migration, and stricter controls as signs that the new approach is taking effect.