EU Proposes New Migration Plan to Increase Deportations and Establish "Return Hubs"
Introduction to the New Migration Proposal
The European Union (EU) has unveiled a new migration proposal aimed at increasing deportations and establishing so-called "return hubs" in third countries for rejected asylum-seekers. The proposal, titled the "European System for Returns," was presented in Strasbourg by the European Commission. The plan seeks to address the low rate of deportations within the EU, where only 20% of individuals with deportation orders are effectively removed from EU territory. The Commission hopes this new system will create a standardized approach for all 27 EU member states, allowing national authorities from one country to enforce deportation orders issued by another. This fills a gap in the EU’s migration and asylum pact approved last year, which lacked such rules.
The Current Challenge: Low Deportation Rates and the Need for Cooperation
EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner emphasized that the current 20% removal rate is unacceptable and that the new system must ensure that when someone is issued a return decision, they are required to leave not just the country but the entire European Union. Brunner declined to set specific targets for deportation rates but stressed that any improvement over the current figure would be welcome. A key challenge for the proposal’s success is convincing countries of origin to readmit their citizens. Brunner acknowledged that the Commission and member states are still working to improve cooperation with these nations.
The Concept of "Return Hubs" and Their Scope
The proposal introduces the idea of "return hubs," which would serve as centers for processing and deporting individuals whose asylum requests have been rejected. Brunner clarified that these hubs would not apply to unaccompanied minors and would include safeguards to ensure compliance with international law and human rights. The EU would not directly manage or establish these centers, which could be located either within Europe or in third countries. Instead, the EU would provide a legal framework to allow member states to negotiate with non-EU countries willing to accept rejected asylum-seekers. This approach differs from Italy’s controversial deal with Albania to offshore asylum processing, which has been repeatedly blocked by Italian courts.
Stricter Measures and Criticism from Migrant Rights Groups
In addition to the "return hubs," the proposal includes stricter punishments for individuals who evade deportation and extends the detention period for rejected asylum-seekers deemed to pose a flight or security risk from 18 months to 24 months. However, the Commission did not provide data on how many people currently fall into the "security risk" category. While EU officials, including Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen, argue that the measures are tougher but fair and aim to encourage voluntary departures, migrant rights groups have expressed strong criticism. Advocates warn that the reforms undermine the right to asylum and could lead to more detentions, family separations, and the forced return of individuals to unfamiliar or unsafe countries.
The Political and Humanitarian Implications of the Proposal
Migration and asylum policy remain highly politicized issues in Europe, with far-right parties leveraging the topic to gain support. Brunner acknowledged the need for "innovative" solutions to manage irregular migration but faced criticism from migrant rights organizations. Silvia Carta of the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants condemned the proposal, stating that it would likely result in more people being detained, families separated, and individuals sent to countries they do not know. The debate highlights the tension between the EU’s efforts to enforce migration rules and its commitment to upholding human rights and dignity.
The Road Ahead: Approval and Implementation
The proposal will now be sent to the European Parliament and EU member states for approval. Its adoption could significantly reshape the EU’s approach to migration, particularly in terms of enforcement and cooperation with third countries. However, the success of the plan hinges on securing agreements with countries willing to host "return hubs" and readmit their citizens, as well as addressing concerns about human rights and the fairness of the system. As the debate unfolds, the EU will need to balance its goals of managing migration flows with the need to protect vulnerable individuals and uphold its values of solidarity and human dignity.
