The European Parliament has approved a new regulation on the deportation of foreigners who were denied asylum in the European Union but cannot be sent back to their countries of origin. The document allows for the creation of special centers to hold such migrants outside the EU.
According to the European Parliament’s press service, the measure was supported by 418 lawmakers, while 218 voted against it and 30 abstained. The exact locations of these centers have not yet been specified.
In early June, Politico reported, citing sources, that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan were among the options under discussion. Rwanda and Uganda have also been mentioned among the countries where such facilities could appear.
Deutsche Welle writes that the new regulation also introduces tougher measures against people who refuse to leave EU territory despite lacking legal permission to stay. In particular, such migrants are expected to be placed under arrest more often. Other measures being considered in the fight against irregular migration include reducing or fully cutting off welfare payments.
Before the regulation can take effect, it still must be approved by the European Council. Some provisions, including the rules on migrant holding centers, are expected to enter into force immediately after the regulation is officially published. Other provisions that require additional preparation are due to take effect a year later.
Similar steps have already been taken elsewhere in Europe. In 2024, the United Kingdom passed a law allowing the deportation of undocumented migrants to Rwanda, and Italy ratified an agreement with Albania to build two migrant reception centers. Both decisions were criticized by human rights advocates, who said that sending migrants to third countries makes it difficult to monitor whether their rights are being respected.