EU agrees tougher deportation rules in migration overhaul

The European Union has agreed on a new regulation aimed at increasing the deportation of undocumented migrants, drawing criticism from rights groups and some lawmakers who argue the measures resemble aspects of the United States' immigration enforcement system.

The agreement, reached during negotiations between the European Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission, forms a key part of the EU’s broader overhaul of asylum and migration policies launched after the 2015 migration crisis, The Guardian writes.

Under the new rules, national authorities will be able to carry out searches of homes and other premises and seize personal belongings to ensure compliance with deportation orders. Migrants considered uncooperative or at risk of absconding may be detained for up to two years, with detention potentially extended to 30 months, compared with the current maximum period of 18 months.

The regulation also provides a legal basis for the establishment of offshore return hubs outside the EU, where undocumented migrants could be held while awaiting return to their countries of origin. Several member states are reportedly exploring such arrangements with countries in Africa, although no formal agreements have yet been announced.

In addition, individuals who refuse to comply with deportation orders could face reductions in benefits or other allowances. Those deemed to pose a security risk may be subject to a lifetime ban on entering the EU, replacing the current maximum entry ban of 10 years.

EU officials defended the measures as necessary to improve the bloc’s migration management system. “With the new rules, we have more control over who can come to the EU, who can stay and who needs to leave,” said Magnus Brunner, the European Commissioner for Migration.

Critics, however, warned that the legislation could undermine migrants’ rights. Green lawmaker Mélissa Camara said the text “weakens procedural rights, extends lengths of detention and endorses ICE practices by allowing authorities to conduct home raids”.

Human rights advocates also expressed concern about the potential impact on families and vulnerable migrants. Silvia Carta of the Platform for Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants said the law would “expose hundreds of thousands of people to harm and violence”.

The legislation is expected to receive final approval from EU member states and the European Parliament before entering into force.

By Aghakazim Guliyev