Brussels Explores Refugee Processing Hubs in Central Asia Amid Migration Pressure

A proposal reportedly under consideration in Brussels could significantly alter Central Asia's international profile and trigger domestic political debate across the region. According to Politico, the European Union is examining the possibility of establishing migrant holding centers in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan for asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected within the EU. The initiative is reportedly being discussed confidentially by the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Germany and Greece. In exchange, participating countries could receive simplified visa arrangements. Astana and Tashkent Reject the Role of Regional Migration Hubs Uzbekistan did sign an agreement with Austria during the official visit of Austrian foreign and interior ministers on May 7. However, the agreement concerns the transit of refugees through Uzbekistan to Afghanistan rather than their resettlement within the country.