The European Commission has introduced a proposal that would allow EU member states to establish centers outside the bloc where rejected asylum seekers would wait for deportation.
The plan aims to address the long-standing issue of unsuccessful asylum applicants remaining within EU borders.
Many countries within the EU struggle to ensure that those denied asylum actually leave. The proposed “return hubs” in non-EU nations would serve as holding centers, preventing migrants from staying in Europe while awaiting deportation.
EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner defended the proposal, stating that the EU upholds high asylum standards but cannot sustain a system where people abuse it. According to Brunner, only one in five people ordered to leave actually departs, a situation he described as unacceptable.
The plan introduces standardized EU-wide deportation orders. If a migrant is required to leave one EU country, that order will apply to the entire bloc. Deportation would become mandatory for those residing in the EU illegally, evading removal deadlines, or posing security risks. Voluntary returns will be encouraged with structured incentives, but strict regulations will apply.
Certain vulnerable groups, including unaccompanied children and families with children, will be exempt from the policy. However, the proposal includes provisions allowing authorities to detain individuals for up to two years if they are deemed a security threat.
The policy, which is part of a broader migration and asylum pact agreed upon in late 2023, still requires approval from the European Parliament and EU member states. Immigration remains a politically sensitive issue across the 27-member bloc, despite a 38% drop in illegal entries last year, reaching the lowest levels since 2021.
Human rights organizations have strongly criticized the plan. Amnesty International’s Eve Geddie accused the European Commission of yielding to pressure from anti-migration governments, warning that the proposal could lead to human rights violations and the prolonged detention of migrants under vague justifications.
The debate over migration policies continues, with EU leaders weighing border security concerns against human rights obligations. The coming months will determine whether the proposal secures the necessary backing or faces resistance from lawmakers and advocacy groups.