Rejected asylum seekers to the EU could be legally deported via “return hubs” in other countries under new proposals for a unified European approach to illegal migration.
EU states will also be able to enforce deportation orders handed down by other countries within the bloc, if the plans – which were unveiled by the European Commission on Tuesday – are approved.
Officials say they hope to address inefficiencies in the 27-country union’s fragmented deportation system, where only 20% of return orders are enforced.
The proposals come amid a rightward political shift, with far-right parties in many EU nations making electoral gains on the back of anti-migration rhetoric and pushing mainstream politicians into adopting a tougher stance.
In recent months, member states have put pressure on the commission to introduce stricter regulations to curb illegal migration.
The legalization of so-called “return hubs” – deportation centers located in non-EU countries that meet international human rights standards – is a controversial idea.
While the European Commission’s plans, in essence a legal framework for managing migration, do not propose establishing EU-managed hubs, they open the possibility for individual countries to do so.
It means that deportees who have received a definitive and final deportation order could be sent to countries in which they have never before set foot – a policy branded “a new low” by the human rights charity, Amnesty International.
Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands led discussions on establishing such hubs, the Euronews website reported. Families with minors and unaccompanied children could not be legally sent to these facilities, according to the proposals.
The commission said that member states had called for “innovative solutions for migration management”, emphasizing that the hubs could only be set up in countries “that respects international human rights standards and principles in accordance with international law.”
Officials say they hope to address inefficiencies in the 27-country union’s fragmented deportation system, where only 20% of return orders are enforced.
The proposals come amid a rightward political shift, with far-right parties in many EU nations making electoral gains on the back of anti-migration rhetoric and pushing mainstream politicians into adopting a tougher stance.
In recent months, member states have put pressure on the commission to introduce stricter regulations to curb illegal migration.
Controversial deportation centers proposed
The legalization of so-called “return hubs” – deportation centers located in non-EU countries that meet international human rights standards – is a controversial idea.
While the European Commission’s plans, in essence a legal framework for managing migration, do not propose establishing EU-managed hubs, they open the possibility for individual countries to do so.
It means that deportees who have received a definitive and final deportation order could be sent to countries in which they have never before set foot – a policy branded “a new low” by the human rights charity, Amnesty International.
Italy, Denmark and the Netherlands led discussions on establishing such hubs, the Euronews website reported. Families with minors and unaccompanied children could not be legally sent to these facilities, according to the proposals.
The commission said that member states had called for “innovative solutions for migration management”, emphasizing that the hubs could only be set up in countries “that respects international human rights standards and principles in accordance with international law.”
However, prominent humanitarian organizations warned that sending migrants to distant countries risks jeopardizing their fundamental rights.
Eve Geddie, Amnesty’s EU director, said: “Today’s proposal lays the ground for states to send people to countries to which they have no connection, to languish in detention centres, with little credible guarantees that their rights will be upheld.
“Frankly, this is a new low for Europe.”
Among other key features of the commission’s proposals is the creation of a European Return Order, which would allow EU member states to recognize and enforce each other’s deportation decisions without restarting the process. This is intended to replace the current system, where different national return policies create legal loopholes and delays.
The plan also mandates forced returns for individuals who refuse to cooperate, abscond, or pose security risks, while encouraging voluntary departures. Returnees will be required to cooperate with authorities, with penalties such as the seizure of travel documents or the reduction of financial allowances for those who do not comply.
Security screenings will be strengthened for high-risk individuals, and detention periods could be extended to 24 months, up from the current 18 months. The proposal also introduces a common readmission procedure, ensuring that deportation orders lead to actual removals.
The proposal will now move to the European Council and the European parliament, the two co-legislators who will negotiate the draft law.
Eve Geddie, Amnesty’s EU director, said: “Today’s proposal lays the ground for states to send people to countries to which they have no connection, to languish in detention centres, with little credible guarantees that their rights will be upheld.
“Frankly, this is a new low for Europe.”
‘European Return Order’
Among other key features of the commission’s proposals is the creation of a European Return Order, which would allow EU member states to recognize and enforce each other’s deportation decisions without restarting the process. This is intended to replace the current system, where different national return policies create legal loopholes and delays.
The plan also mandates forced returns for individuals who refuse to cooperate, abscond, or pose security risks, while encouraging voluntary departures. Returnees will be required to cooperate with authorities, with penalties such as the seizure of travel documents or the reduction of financial allowances for those who do not comply.
Security screenings will be strengthened for high-risk individuals, and detention periods could be extended to 24 months, up from the current 18 months. The proposal also introduces a common readmission procedure, ensuring that deportation orders lead to actual removals.
The proposal will now move to the European Council and the European parliament, the two co-legislators who will negotiate the draft law.
Source: European Commission, Amnesty International
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