Suella Braverman branded the issue the “challenge of our age” as she agreed closer co-operation with her Austrian counterpart in Vienna.
The Daily Express understands an “axis” of EU countries have shifted towards the UK’s model of migration rather than that of the bloc.
A handful, including Germany – which expects 300,000 refugee applications by the end of the year – and Austria, are already looking to set up schemes similar to the UK’s.
Ms Braverman signed a deal with Rwandan capital Kigali in March to process immigrants. But it has been mired in legal battles and is still awaiting a Supreme Court ruling.
The emerging EU “axis” signals that many countries are losing faith in the bloc’s ability to tackle the problem. Brussels wants members to accept a quota of asylum seekers – and will fine countries if they refuse.
But a growing number of nations believe claims should be processed in a safe third country, heaping pressure on EU bureaucrats to get tough and commit to a similar path.
Ms Braverman discussed her strategy with Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner in Vienna.
He said: “The UK has a lot of experience when it comes to processing asylum applications outside of Europe in the future.
“That was an important theme because Austria can benefit from this experience.
“We will continue to make a consistent effort for the EU Commission to advance and enable such procedures outside of Europe.” The ministers committed to a joint dialogue on illegal migration, including with origin countries and those passed through en route to Europe.
They also promised greater co-operation on serious and organised crime, and cyber security, particularly countering online radicalisation.
Ms Braverman said: “The global migration crisis is the challenge of our age, with the UK and the European continent seeing huge movements of people travelling illegally across our borders.
“This is placing an unprecedented burden on our communities and public services.
“Austria is a close ally in tackling illegal migration and we have already begun sharing knowledge of our actions and strategies.”
During her visit she also spoke to Jewish community leaders, paid her respects at a Holocaust memorial and visited the site of 2020’s Islamist terrorist gun attack by a lone gunman which killed four.
