The European Union (EU) is proposing new measures to handle illegal migration more effectively. One of the most significant changes includes the introduction of "return hubs," which are deportation centers located in non-EU countries. These hubs would allow EU countries to deport rejected asylum seekers to nations outside Europe, even if the deportees have no prior connection to those countries.

Why Are These Measures Being Proposed?

Illegal migration has been a growing challenge for the EU, with many countries struggling to enforce deportation orders. Currently, only about 20% of deportation decisions are carried out, making the system highly inefficient. Many migrants remain in the EU even after their asylum requests have been denied, which has led to increasing political pressure on the European Commission to take stronger action.

Additionally, the rise of right-wing political parties across Europe has intensified the demand for stricter immigration controls. Many governments are under pressure to reduce the number of illegal migrants in their countries, leading to the push for these new policies.

Key Features of the Proposed Migration Plan

1. Creation of Return Hubs

The EU’s plan includes the possibility of setting up deportation centers in non-EU countries. These centers would be responsible for housing migrants who have been ordered to leave but cannot be sent back to their home country for various reasons. The main goal is to speed up the deportation process while ensuring that these facilities follow international human rights standards.

However, this plan is highly controversial. Many human rights organizations argue that sending people to foreign countries where they have no connections could lead to human rights abuses. Amnesty International has criticized the proposal, calling it "a new low" for Europe.

2. Mutual Recognition of Deportation Orders

Currently, each EU country has its own deportation system, meaning that a migrant rejected in one country can sometimes move to another EU nation and restart the asylum process. To eliminate these loopholes, the new plan introduces a European Return Order. Under this system, a deportation order issued by one EU country would be valid across the entire bloc, allowing for easier and faster deportations.

3. Stronger Enforcement of Deportation Decisions

The EU also plans to tighten enforcement measures by introducing stricter rules for individuals who refuse to leave voluntarily. Key enforcement strategies include:

• Seizing travel documents to prevent migrants from fleeing.
• Reducing financial allowances for non-compliance.
• Mandating forced deportations for individuals who pose security risks or repeatedly evade authorities.

4. Increased Detention Periods

Under the new plan, the maximum period for detaining migrants before deportation could be extended from 18 months to 24 months. This change is meant to prevent migrants from avoiding deportation by overstaying legal detention limits.

Concerns and Controversies

Human Rights and Legal Challenges

Many humanitarian groups argue that these measures violate basic human rights. Sending people to distant countries where they have no legal status or support networks could lead to indefinite detention, poor living conditions, and difficulties in accessing legal assistance.

Eve Geddie, Amnesty International’s EU director, stated, "This proposal allows states to send people to countries where they have no connection, leaving them in detention centers with little guarantee that their rights will be upheld."

Implementation Challenges

Even if these proposals become law, enforcing them will not be easy. Many non-EU countries may refuse to accept deportees, especially if they are not their citizens. Some EU member states might also resist participating in a centralized deportation system, preferring to maintain control over their own immigration policies.

Political and Public Reactions

The proposal has received mixed reactions across Europe. Right-wing politicians support the measures, arguing that they are necessary to maintain security and prevent illegal immigration. Meanwhile, left-wing and humanitarian groups strongly oppose them, warning that they could lead to human rights violations.

Countries like Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands have been particularly vocal in supporting the establishment of return hubs. However, Germany has taken a more cautious approach, recently setting up its own deportation center near the Polish border rather than relying on external hubs.

Practical Implications for Migrants

If these measures are approved, migrants applying for asylum in the EU will face stricter conditions:

• Fewer chances to appeal deportation decisions.
• Greater difficulty in moving between EU countries after a rejection.
• Increased likelihood of being sent to a non-EU country rather than their home country.

For those who are already undocumented in the EU, avoiding detection and deportation will become harder due to the improved coordination between EU countries.

What’s Next?

The European Commission has presented these proposals to the European Parliament and the European Council. The proposals must go through negotiations and approval processes before they can become law.

Key questions remain:

• Will the EU be able to find non-EU countries willing to host deportation centers?
• How will individual member states react to the idea of mutual deportation enforcement?
• Will legal challenges delay or block the implementation of these measures?

Conclusion

The EU’s new migration proposals represent a major shift in how illegal immigration is handled. While supporters argue that these measures will improve border security and efficiency, critics warn that they could lead to serious human rights violations.

The success or failure of these proposals will depend on how they are implemented and whether they can balance enforcement with the protection of fundamental rights.