BRUSSELS: European Union lawmakers and member states have reached an agreement on new migration rules that would allow rejected asylum seekers and other migrants ordered to leave the bloc to be transferred to deportation centres located in third countries.
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The legislation, which still requires formal approval from the European Parliament and EU governments, is part of a broader effort to tighten migration policies across the bloc. European officials argue the measures will improve the effectiveness of deportation procedures and address long-standing challenges in returning individuals who no longer have the legal right to remain in the EU.
A new EU law will allow migrant return hubs outside the bloc and home searches in a bid to crack down on irregular migration. Civil society groups point to a “xenophobic” turn in EU politics. #EuropeNews
➡️ https://t.co/sM0SHK1wPt pic.twitter.com/KA0PUIUlk6— euronews (@euronews) June 1, 2026
Under the proposed framework, member states would be permitted to establish so-called “return hubs” outside the European Union. Migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected could be transferred to these centres even if they have no prior connection to the host country.
European Commissioner Magnus Brunner said the new rules would give governments greater control over migration management and improve enforcement of return decisions.
The European Commission has noted that only around 20 percent of individuals ordered to leave the EU currently depart, highlighting what it considers a major weakness in the bloc’s migration system.
However, the agreement has sparked criticism from human rights organisations and advocacy groups. Critics argue that the legislation could lead to excessive detention, weaken protections for asylum seekers and increase the risk of rights violations.
The proposed rules would allow longer detention periods and introduce penalties for migrants who fail to cooperate with authorities. Measures could include entry bans, fines and other sanctions. Authorities would also be granted expanded powers to collect biometric data, conduct searches and detain individuals, including minors in certain circumstances.
Several rights groups have warned that the legislation could normalize controversial enforcement practices and undermine humanitarian protections.
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The agreement comes as several European countries seek stricter migration controls despite a decline in irregular arrivals last year. Governments across the bloc continue to face political pressure to address migration concerns while balancing security, legal and human rights obligations.