Key facts
- EU lawmakers and state representatives agreed on new rules to speed up deportation of rejected asylum seekers.
- The agreement allows EU countries to transfer rejected asylum seekers to third countries.
- The rules permit 'return hubs' outside the EU's borders.
- Stricter measures for illegal migrants include potential home searches, welfare cuts, document confiscation, and extended detention periods.
- The deal requires formal approval by EU governments and the European Parliament.
EU lawmakers and state representatives have reached a political agreement on new rules designed to accelerate the deportation of asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected. This agreement, which still requires formal approval, introduces the concept of 'return hubs' located outside the EU and allows for stricter measures against irregular migrants, including potential home searches, welfare cuts, document confiscation, and extended detention periods. The move comes amid significant pressure on the bloc to manage migration flows, with some member states advocating for such external processing centers.