Parliament approves stricter deportation rules, offshore centres and tougher entry bans
The European Parliament has approved a sweeping new law aimed at accelerating the return of irregular migrants, including provisions to establish deportation centres outside the European Union and impose stricter entry bans. The move reflects a broader shift in Europe’s migration policy as political priorities tilt to the right.
The legislation, known as the “return regulation”, was backed by 389 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), with 206 voting against and 32 abstaining. The vote was followed by applause from a large section of lawmakers, underscoring strong support among conservative and right-leaning groups.
At the heart of the new framework is a proposal allowing EU member states to send irregular migrants to third countries that are not necessarily their country of origin. These arrangements would be facilitated through bilateral agreements to establish so-called “return hubs” outside the EU. The law also introduces stricter measures, including extending detention periods for migrants awaiting deportation to up to 24 months and enabling long-term, potentially unlimited, entry bans for those returned.
The measure is widely seen as a cornerstone of the EU’s renewed effort to increase the return rate of migrants who do not have legal permission to remain within the bloc. Policymakers have long argued that existing procedures are slow and ineffective, contributing to irregular migration pressures across member states.
The legislation will now enter negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Officials expect relatively smooth talks, as both institutions share broadly similar positions on key provisions.
Among the controversial aspects of the law is the inclusion of families with children in deportation procedures, while unaccompanied minors are excluded. The text also seeks to modify existing legal safeguards by removing the automatic suspension of deportations during appeals, instead leaving such decisions to judicial authorities on a case-by-case basis.
Another contentious provision allows EU authorities to engage with “non-recognised third-country entities” for readmission agreements. Critics warn this could open the door to cooperation with regimes lacking democratic legitimacy. Green lawmaker Melissa Camara criticised the measure, arguing it risks undermining core European values and could enable forced returns to countries such as Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
The legislation also drew criticism from left-leaning groups, who raised concerns about fundamental rights and humanitarian implications. Cecilia Strada of the Socialists and Democrats said the policy risks sending migrants to countries with which they have no connection.
The vote highlighted shifting political alliances within the Parliament, with the European People’s Party aligning with far-right factions to secure passage of the bill. French conservative MEP Francois-Xavier Bellamy, who drafted the legislation, defended the approach, stating that those entering Europe illegally should not be allowed to remain.
While some centrist and social democratic lawmakers supported the bill in line with national policies, opposition remains strong among progressive groups and civil society organisations. As negotiations with member states proceed, the law is expected to remain at the centre of intense debate over Europe’s migration strategy and its balance between enforcement and human rights.
