European Parliament Approves Stricter Migration Rules, Allowing External Deportation Centers

The European Parliament is set to approve stricter migration rules on Wednesday, granting member states broader powers to detain irregular arrivals and establish deportation centers outside the bloc. This reform, driven by political pressure to curb migration, allows countries to open «return hubs» where migrants without the right to stay can be sent.

Irish MEPs are divided on the issue. Fine Gael’s Regina Doherty supports the EU Returns Regulation, calling it a «very fair but firm system» that will protect those needing protection while ensuring legal processes are respected. She emphasized creating uniform rules across member states to prevent repeated asylum applications.

Fianna Fáil’s Barry Andrews criticized the measures as «ICE-style» and raised concerns about potential human rights abuses, particularly regarding unaccompanied children, and increased pressure on EU budgets. He questioned the effectiveness of similar efforts by the UK and Australia and suggested the vote would pass with a «far-right majority.» Doherty dismissed Andrews’ concerns as «misinformation,» stating that an ICE-style arrangement is not how the EU operates. She added that few countries are expected to pursue the third-country policy, only as a last resort.

Human rights groups have criticized the measures, but several EU nations, including Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany, and the Netherlands, are exploring options for such hubs. A majority of EU nations recently agreed to seek EU funding for these centers, despite opposition from France and Spain. The new rules also mandate that migrants subject to expulsion cooperate with authorities and can be detained for up to two years if they fail to comply, pose a security risk, or are deemed a flight risk. Authorities will also be permitted to search third-country nationals and seize belongings to ensure returns. The law requires formal endorsement from member states, who have already provisionally approved it, before implementation.