EU Approves New Migration Law Focused on Expedited Deportations

The European Union has reached an agreement on a new law designed to accelerate the deportation process for migrants lacking legal residency, marking a significant shift in the bloc's migration policies. The Return Regulation, which was finalized on Monday, aims to address the low rate of voluntary returns from the EU, currently standing at only 29%. Home Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner emphasized that this legislation is crucial for controlling migration within the EU, stating, "This is a really very important step in making sure that we have control over what is happening in the EU."

A key feature of the law is the establishment of deportation centers, or return hubs, outside EU borders in collaboration with non-member countries, although specifics on potential partner countries remain undisclosed. The regulation also alters existing rules around the return of migrants, eliminating the requirement for return to a country of origin or a proven connection, except for unaccompanied minors.

Additionally, the law permits searches of the residences of irregular migrants, a provision criticized by NGOs for its potential to lead to invasive home raids. Eleonora Celoria from Asgi remarked that the vagueness of the provision might encourage broader interpretations, allowing for extensive enforcement actions.

Other updates to the regulations include extending the maximum detention period for irregular migrants from six months to two years, and increasing potential entry bans from five to ten years, with lifetime bans possible for those deemed security risks. Legal challenges against deportations will no longer provide automatic protections, compelling courts to evaluate each case independently.

The law faces opposition from civil society and left-leaning political factions, arguing it poses risks to migrants' lives and undermines fundamental rights. MEP Mélissa Camara described the final text as a tool for a "xenophobic ideology," while Silvia Carta from Picum criticized it as creating a harsh detention and deportation framework. The law is expected to be formally approved by EU member states and could be enacted as early as next month.