The Use of PSMCs in the Management of Migrant Centres: Abuses and Policy concerns

The paper focuses on the use of private security and management companies (PSMCs) in the management of migrant centres as a critical policy and operational issue that has emerged in several regions, from Europe to the US border. While these companies are often used to increase efficiency and reduce public expenditure, their involvement raises significant concerns about human rights abuses, lack of transparency and accountability. The paper is divided into three parts. The first part combines the literature on PSMCs with that on the securitisation of non-state actors (NSAs) to assess the use of these actors in a variety of roles and tasks in the management of security issues. The second part examines NGO-documented cases of abuse and negligence in PSMC-managed migrant centres, highlighting systemic failures in oversight mechanisms. The third part examines broader policy implications, including ethical concerns, legal gaps and the need for strengthened international standards to ensure humane treatment and effective governance. The conclusions highlight the importance of integrating robust legal frameworks and monitoring systems to protect migrants' rights and prevent exploitation.