The Austrian News Journal reported on 8 October 2026 that Austria and four other EU countries have agreed an accelerated timetable to open the first extra-territorial “return hubs” for rejected asylum seekers in 2027. According to leaked minutes from a 5 October sherpa meeting in Copenhagen, the partners—Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece and the Netherlands—intend to sign framework agreements with Rwanda and Uzbekistan by the end of the year. Austria’s contribution will focus on funding vocational-training modules at the hubs, drawing on its experience with the ‘Jobs Plus’ reintegration grants already used for voluntary returnees. The Interior Ministry believes that combining skills training with safe accommodation will increase acceptance of deportation orders and reduce absconding rates inside the Schengen Area. Human-rights NGOs have criticised the plan, warning that the legal status of detainees in third countries remains unclear. The Austrian government counters that the centres will be open facilities compliant with UNHCR standards and subject to joint EU monitoring. Companies employing third-country nationals on Austrian work permits should note that, under a parallel administrative reform, the Vienna Labour Market Service (AMS) will from January reduce processing times for Red-White-Red Cards to 90 days; failure to renew on time could lead to transfer to a hub once the system is operational. The European Commission has not yet endorsed the initiative but has signalled “constructive engagement”. A formal pilot decision is expected at the Justice and Home Affairs Council in December.
