by Ali Hassan
MEPs approve sweeping new rules allowing offshore return centres, longer detention periods, and stricter entry bans, sparking sharp political divisions over human rights and EU values
The European Parliament has approved a contentious reform aimed at accelerating the return of irregular migrants, marking a significant shift in the European Union’s migration policy. The legislation, adopted with 389 votes in favour, 206 against and 32 abstentions, introduces measures designed to increase deportations, including the possibility of establishing return centres outside EU territory.
At the heart of the reform is the creation of so-called “return hubs” in third countries. These facilities, to be set up through bilateral agreements with non-EU states, would allow member states to deport migrants to countries other than their own. The move is widely seen as a cornerstone of a broader strategy to curb irregular migration as political priorities across Europe continue to tilt rightward.
The law also extends the maximum detention period for migrants awaiting return to up to 24 months and introduces stricter entry bans. In some cases, individuals deemed a security risk could face permanent exclusion from the EU, while others may be subject to entry bans with no fixed upper limit.
Another controversial provision allows negotiations with “non-recognised third-country entities” for readmission purposes, raising concerns among critics about potential cooperation with regimes lacking democratic legitimacy. Green MEP Melissa Camara warned that the measure could pave the way for agreements with authorities such as the Taliban, calling it “a total renouncement of EU values.”
The reform further seeks to modify the current system of legal appeals. Under existing rules, deportations are automatically suspended while appeals are pending. The new framework would leave such decisions to judicial authorities on a case-by-case basis, potentially speeding up removals.
Despite its restrictive elements, the Parliament softened some proposals originally put forward by member states. It reduced the maximum detention period from 30 to 24 months and removed provisions that would have allowed authorities to conduct searches in private residences to locate individuals facing expulsion.
The vote also highlighted deep პოლიტიკური divisions within the Parliament. The centre-right European People’s Party joined forces with far-right groups to secure the bill’s passage, drawing criticism over their collaboration. French MEP François-Xavier Bellamy defended the measure, stating that it enshrines a “simple principle: those who enter Europe illegally cannot stay.”
Opposition came primarily from left-wing groups, who argued that the reform risks undermining fundamental rights. Cecilia Strada of the Socialists and Democrats warned that the policy could result in migrants being sent to countries with which they have no prior connection.
The legislation will now enter negotiations between the European Parliament and member states, a process expected to proceed smoothly given the broad alignment between the two sides.
(Associated Medias) – all rights reserved
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