European lawmakers on Thursday approved a disputed plan to transfer some undocumented migrants to so‑called “return hubs” outside the EU, as member states push to tighten immigration controls. The measure passed by 389 votes to 206.
Under the draft proposal, migrant reception centres beyond the bloc’s borders could hold people whose asylum claims have been rejected. The text says those who refuse relocation to such centres could face penalties that include detention and bans on entering EU territory.
A group of member states is leading the effort, notably Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany and the Netherlands. Other governments, including France and Spain, have expressed doubts about whether the approach will be effective, while human rights organisations warn the centres could put asylum seekers at risk of disappearing into “legal black holes.”
“They will be located outside of EU territory, where policymakers cannot guarantee that people’s rights will be upheld,” said Marta Welander of the International Rescue Committee.
Previous attempts to set up similar schemes have encountered legal and practical obstacles. The UK’s plan to send migrants to Rwanda was halted after court challenges, and Italy’s proposal to process arrivals in Albania has run into legal problems and delays.
The process by which the draft was negotiated has also drawn criticism. Media reports suggest much of the wording emerged from discussions between centre‑right members of the European People’s Party and far‑right parties in the Europe of Sovereign Nations group, including Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD). Green MEP Erik Marquardt has said the draft contains about 38 formulations proposed by the ESN and warned against anchoring EU deportation policy to a party many view as extreme‑right.
Thursday’s vote advances the proposal but does not finalise it. The next stage is a negotiating phase between the European Parliament and member states to try to agree a final legislative text.
Edited by: Alex Berry