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4w ago

EU Strikes Provisional Deal to Allow Return Hubs and Expand Detention to Speed Deportations

The agreement seeks to raise low return rates by creating legal routes for transfers to third‑country centres and tougher enforcement measures.

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Police conduct a search operation at a makeshift camp of migrants who want to cross the English Channel to Britain near Dunkirk, northern France, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)
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Moves by EU countries to deport migrants to 'return hubs' have drawn protests

Overview

  • Negotiators from the European Commission, Council and Parliament reached a provisional trilogue agreement on Monday that legalises so‑called return hubs and tightens return rules to accelerate deportations.
  • The negotiated text permits member states to transfer rejected asylum seekers to third‑country centres, requires greater cooperation with authorities, and expands powers for biometric collection, home searches, fines and entry bans.
  • The regulation allows detention of people subject to return for up to 24 months with a possible six‑month extension and permits limited detention of families and unaccompanied minors as a last resort.
  • The deal still needs formal approval by the European Parliament and member states before it takes effect, with several provisions set to apply immediately on publication and other measures phased in after 12 months.
  • Supporters say the changes respond to a low EU return rate and restore control, while rights groups and left‑wing MEPs warn of risks to non‑refoulement, mass detention and legal challenges and several countries are already negotiating bilateral hub deals.