The European Union is preparing to dramatically expand its deportation powers with a landmark law allowing migrants to be sent to return hubs outside Europe. A deal on the Return Regulation is expected today between EU governments and the European Parliament, marking the most hardline turn in EU migration policy in decades.
At the heart of the law is a provision allowing EU countries to establish deportation centers outside the bloc, alongside longer detention periods, tougher entry bans, and new powers to locate irregular migrants. "The era of deportations has begun," said Swedish MEP Charlie Weimers.
Currently, only about 28% of migrants ordered to leave are effectively returned. The new law aims to raise that rate by removing the requirement that migrants be returned only to their country of origin or a country with which they have a proven connection. Families with children could be transferred to return hubs, though unaccompanied minors are exempt.
Critics, including over 250 civil society organizations, warn this risks leaving migrants stranded in countries where they have no ties and few legal protections. Sarah Chander of the Equinox Initiative for Racial Justice said, "The EU is legitimizing offshore prisons, racial profiling, and child detention."
Despite the controversy, several governments are pressing ahead. Italy is already operating a similar scheme in Albania, while Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, and Greece have teamed up to identify potential partner countries for future return centers.
Key provisions include: allowing searches of irregular migrants' residences, ending automatic suspension of deportations during legal challenges, extending detention from six months to two years (unlimited for security risks), and increasing entry bans up to ten years or lifetime for security risks.
Negotiators expect to finalize the deal today, with the text requiring formal approval by MEPs and EU countries.