Key facts
- EU lawmakers and governments agreed on new rules for migrant returns to third countries.
EU lawmakers agree on migrant return rules
IN SHORT
EU lawmakers and governments have reached an agreement on new rules to streamline migrant returns to third countries. The legislation aims to increase the current return rate of approximately 20% by extending detention periods and introducing penalties, with a focus on establishing 'return hubs' outside the bloc.
Key Numbers
26%decrease in irregular arrivals last year
20%current return rate of people ordered to leave the EU
Who's Involved
European Union lawmakers
Agreed on new rules for migrant returns to third countries
European Union governments
Agreed on new rules for migrant returns to third countries
European Commission
Proposed the legislation last year
Silvia Carta
Advocacy officer at PICUM, criticising the regulation
↳ Why This Matters
The European Union is facing increased pressure due to rising irregular migration, which has fueled support for right-wing parties. This has led to a push for stricter migration policies, including the controversial concept of 'return hubs' in non-EU countries to process and deport individuals whose asylum claims are denied. The new rules are intended to address the challenges EU countries face in ensuring rejected asylum seekers and visa overstayers leave their territory.