EU agrees on new migration rules allowing deportations to third-country

European Union lawmakers and governments have agreed on new rules that would allow member states to send migrants ordered to leave the bloc to centres in third countries, a move that has drawn strong criticism from human rights organisations.

The agreement, reached on June 1, is part of a wider tightening of EU migration policy amid growing political pressure from right-wing parties. Irregular arrivals into the bloc fell by 26% last year to their lowest level since 2021, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

The legislation still requires formal approval from EU governments and the European Parliament. It was proposed by the European Commission, which says the reforms would streamline return procedures and improve deportation rates while respecting fundamental rights.

However, rights groups have warned the measures could lead to abuses.

“This Regulation is ⁠going to create a draconian detention and deportation machine,” said Silvia Carta, advocacy officer at the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants (PICUM).

Under current EU rules, only around 20% of people ordered to leave the bloc are actually returned, according to the Commission.

The new framework would allow member states to establish so-called “return hubs” outside the EU for individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected or who are subject to removal orders. Deportees could be sent to countries with which they have no prior connection. Member states have not disclosed possible host countries.

“With the new rules, we have more control over who can come ⁠to the EU, who can stay, and who needs to leave,” said European Commissioner Magnus Brunner.

The draft law also extends detention periods and introduces penalties including entry bans, fines and possible criminal sanctions for non-cooperation. Authorities would be permitted to seize belongings, detain minors, collect biometric data, and search homes.

Some EU states have already begun exploring similar arrangements. The Netherlands is working with Denmark, Germany, Greece and Austria on joint return and transit hubs, while talks with Uganda on a bilateral deal have been paused.

By Sabina Mammadli