European lawmakers on Thursday approved controversial proposals to deport undocumented migrants to so‑called “return hubs” outside the European Union as pressure grows to tighten immigration rules.
Parliament voted 389 to 206 in favor of reforms that would allow migrant centers beyond the bloc’s borders to house people whose asylum claims are rejected. The draft says those who refuse relocation could face penalties including detention and entry bans.
What’s the outlook for the EU’s ‘return hubs’ proposal?
The push is being led by a small group of member states including Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany and the Netherlands. Other governments, such as France and Spain, have questioned whether the approach will work, while human rights groups warn asylum seekers could disappear into “legal black holes.”
“They will be located outside of EU territory, where policymakers cannot guarantee that people’s rights will be upheld,” said International Rescue Committee’s Marta Welander.
Similar schemes have already hit legal and practical obstacles: the UK’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda was blocked after court challenges, and Italy’s attempt to process arrivals in Albania has stalled amid legal issues.
Far-right influence on EU deportation proposals
Controversy has also focused on how the text was negotiated. Media reports say the draft’s wording emerged from talks between center‑right members of the European People’s Party (including Germany’s CDU/CSU) and far‑right parties in the Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN) group, such as Alternative for Germany (AfD).
Green MEP Erik Marquardt says the draft contains some 38 formulations proposed by the ESN. Marquardt warned against making EU deportation policy dependent on a party many view as extreme‑right.
EU migrant ‘return hubs’: what next?
Thursday’s vote moves the proposal closer to approval. The next step is negotiations between European lawmakers and member states to agree a final legislative text.
Edited by: Alex Berry