Kazakhstan Denies EU Plans for Migrant Centers

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially refuted claims that the European Union intends to set up centers for deported migrants within the country. The ministry's spokesperson, Yerlan Zhetiabayev, clarified at a press briefing that there have been no discussions with the EU concerning the establishment of special centers for migrants denied asylum in Europe.

"As far as I know, there are no such negotiations," Zhetiabayev stated. He further explained that Kazakhstan is actively engaged in talks with the European side regarding the simplification of visa requirements. Additionally, the country is discussing a readmission agreement, which would commit Kazakhstan to repatriating its citizens who have illegally left the country.

These statements come in response to a report by Politico, which suggested that Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Greece were collaborating on establishing joint return centers and asylum processing points outside the EU. The report indicated that countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan were being considered as potential locations, although European capitals have been hesitant to officially disclose the list of participating nations. Kazakhstan's firm denial suggests a rejection of such proposals or a lack of official engagement on the matter.

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As far as I know, there are no such negotiations