BRUSSELS: European Union talks on a migration reform to create so-called “return hubs” outside the bloc broke off without a deal Wednesday, with negotiations set to continue on Thursday, EU sources said. European lawmakers and countries were expected to agree on a tightening of immigration rules concocted in response to political pressure across the 27-nation EU to curb migration. Diplomatic sources said only a few unresolved issues needed ironing out — mainly around the timeline for implementation.

If approved, migration plan would give countries the option to use “return hubs” for those who have been ordered to leave the EU.

The measures will allow for the opening of centres outside the EU's borders to which migrants could be sent.