On Monday, June 1st, the European Union member states and the European Parliament reached an agreement on a new law regarding the deportation of illegal immigrants. According to the agreement, in the future, EU countries will be able to send back rejected asylum seekers or individuals with deportation orders to “Return Hubs” located in third countries outside the EU. This move is seen as a significant step in the EU’s ongoing efforts to tighten immigration policies.
The proposed law still requires formal approval from the European Council and the European Parliament before it can come into effect. The European Commission stated that the new regulation aims to enhance the efficiency of deportations, streamline administrative procedures, assist member states in more effectively carrying out deportation orders, and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
In recent years, many EU countries have been grappling with a backlog of illegal immigration and asylum applications. Data from the European Commission shows that currently only about 20% of individuals who have received deportation orders actually leave the EU.
Despite a 26% decrease in illegal entries into the EU in 2025 compared to the previous year, reducing it to the lowest level since 2021, many member states believe that the current deportation mechanisms are inefficient and are hoping to enhance enforcement efficacy through stricter measures.
Under the new regulation, EU countries can establish deportation centers in third countries to house rejected asylum seekers or those required to leave. The deported individuals do not need to have nationality, residency, or any other substantial connection to the receiving country.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, stated that this new regulation will empower the EU with stronger enforcement capabilities in managing immigration flows, clearly defining who can enter the EU, who can stay, and who must leave.
At present, the EU has not disclosed the list of potential partner countries where deportation centers could be established.
The new law also entails bolstering the enforcement authorities of each country. According to the draft, the detention period during deportation procedures will be extended, harsher penalties can be imposed on non-compliant individuals, including entry bans, fines, and in certain cases, criminal penalties.
Law enforcement agencies will further be authorized to collect biometric data, inspect personal belongings, detain minors, and conduct searches at deportation-related premises.
EU officials believe that these measures will help prevent deported individuals from evading deportation orders and increase the deportation execution rate. However, some human rights groups have expressed concerns regarding certain provisions, stating that the definition of search scope in some articles is too broad and may lead to disputes concerning enforcement standards.
Some EU countries have already begun exploring the operational models of overseas deportation centers. The Netherlands is currently collaborating with Denmark, Germany, Greece, and Austria to examine the feasibility of establishing joint deportation and transit centers. The Dutch government had previously engaged in discussions with Uganda regarding a similar arrangement, but negotiations are currently on hold.
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten mentioned that the country is facing a severe overload in its refugee asylum system and hopes to make tangible progress by the end of this year. Currently, the capacity of multiple refugee reception centers in the Netherlands, including the main registration center in Ter Apel, is reaching its limits, necessitating prioritized reception for the most vulnerable populations.
This deportation law is part of the EU’s recent efforts to advance reforms in immigration policies. In 2024, the EU officially adopted the “Migration and Asylum Pact,” aimed at further strengthening external border controls, asylum application reviews, and mechanisms for sharing responsibilities among member states.