North Macedonia’s government on Friday denied reports in the British press that it is negotiating with the United Kingdom to host centres for rejected asylum seekers, after the Times said London had opened talks with Skopje and Pristina on returning migrants to the Balkans.
Several British outlets, citing the Times, reported that North Macedonia and Kosovo were in discussions to accept migrants deported from the UK, with London offering payments for each person received. The reports described a so-called “returns centre” where migrants could apply for asylum in North Macedonia or seek work permits in sectors facing labour shortages. They would not be detained and would be free to leave the country.
The government in Skopje rejected the claims. Government spokesperson Marija Miteva told local outlet SDK.mk that the British reports were for “domestic political use” and insisted no negotiations were under way. The ruling VMRO-DPMNE party also denied that talks were taking place.
British media said the scheme would mirror a model agreed between Italy and Albania, under which Albania hosts processing facilities for migrants intercepted by Italy. Countries joining such arrangements with the UK would also receive investment packages and security cooperation to counter Russian influence and cyber threats, the reports said.
North Macedonia signed a strategic partnership agreement with the UK in May, securing nearly 6 billion euros in loans for infrastructure and other strategic projects. At the time, the government also dismissed speculation that the deal involved accepting migrants from Britain.