European Union member states have approved the establishment of return hubs for migrants as part of a new legislative effort to accelerate deportation processes. The agreement, reached on Monday, allows for the return of irregular migrants to third countries, even if those countries are unrelated to the migrants’ origin, provided bilateral agreements are in place. This move signals a hardening stance on immigration policy within the bloc, driven by shifting public opinion and political dynamics.
The decision comes as EU nations grapple with managing irregular migration flows and increasing pressure to enforce existing return orders. According to European Commission data, only around 20% of return orders are currently enforced. The new legislation aims to dramatically increase this figure through a combination of stricter legal consequences for non-compliance and enhanced cooperation with non-EU countries.
What are the New EU Return Hubs?
The concept of return hubs allows EU member states greater flexibility in managing the return of individuals who do not have the legal right to remain in the Union. These hubs can function in two primary ways: as transit centers for processing individuals before their return to their country of origin, or as longer-term facilities for those whose return is not immediately feasible.
Danish Minister for Immigration and Integration Rasmus Stoklund explained that the removal of the “connection criterion” is key, allowing for these varied approaches. Individuals may be returned to their home countries or, under specific conditions, to third countries, but all returns must adhere to international human rights standards and legal principles.
Concerns Over Human Rights
The introduction of return hubs has drawn sharp criticism from civil society organizations who express concerns about potential human rights violations. More than 100 organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, issued a joint statement last July warning that the proposal could lead to illegal returns and arbitrary detentions.
Critics argue that sending individuals to countries with which they have no prior connection could endanger their well-being and leave them vulnerable to abuse. The potential for creating a two-tiered system, where some migrants face expedited returns to potentially unsafe locations, is a significant worry.
Strengthening Enforcement and Bilateral Agreements
The “return regulation” also includes provisions to strengthen the enforcement of return orders within the EU. These measures include the potential withdrawal of work permits and the imposition of criminal sanctions, including imprisonment, for individuals who do not cooperate with authorities.
Additionally, the legislation addresses the issue of non-EU countries refusing to readmit their nationals. The EU intends to apply a more assertive approach, potentially impacting bilateral relations with countries that are perceived as hindering the return process. Recent tensions between France and Algeria over repatriation rates illustrate this challenge.
A key element of the new law is the mutual recognition of return decisions across all EU member states. Currently, a return order is only binding in the country that issued it. Once approved by the European Parliament, the new regulation will ensure that a return decision is valid throughout the entire EU, streamlining the process and reducing opportunities for legal challenges.
The broader context of this legislation is a growing push for more effective migration management within the EU, alongside increased debate about border security and asylum policies. The term “irregular migration” is frequently used by EU officials to describe the movement of people without proper authorization, and this new law reflects a desire to address this issue more decisively.
The legislation now moves to the European Parliament for consideration and approval. If passed, it will represent a significant shift in the EU’s approach to returns and could have far-reaching consequences for migrants and asylum seekers. Stakeholders will be closely watching the parliamentary debate and potential amendments to see how the final version of the law addresses the concerns raised by human rights organizations and member states.