On Thursday, European lawmakers moved forward with stricter penalties for irregular migrants and the potential establishment of “return hubs” outside the European Union (EU). These proposed measures, which have faced criticism from human rights organizations, are part of a broader initiative aimed at tightening immigration policies across the 27-member bloc. The European Parliament voted in favor of these reforms by a margin of 389 to 206, with support primarily from right-wing factions. This significant step now awaits final approval after negotiations with the European Commission and the Council of the European Union. Notably, 32 members chose to abstain from the vote.

Context and Reactions to the Reforms

As public sentiment towards migration has soured in many EU countries, governments have felt pressure to adopt a more hardline stance, reflecting the increased influence of far-right parties throughout Europe. Some of these parties have expressed admiration for the strict deportation policies previously enacted by the U.S. government and are urging the EU to take a similar approach. With migrant arrivals decreasing since 2025, Brussels is focusing on overhauling the repatriation system, which currently sees about 20% of deportation orders being effectively enforced.

Key Features of the Proposed Reforms

One of the central elements of the proposed reforms is the creation of centers or “return hubs” outside the EU’s jurisdiction. These would serve as locations where migrants whose requests for asylum have been rejected could be sent. Centre-right French legislator François-Xavier Bellamy remarked, “The decisive changes introduced by this regulation will make it possible to simply guarantee this straightforward principle: if you come to Europe illegally, rest assured that you will not stay here.”

Controversy Surrounding the Return Hubs

Countries such as Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, and Denmark are already in talks with various nations in Africa to establish sites to detain migrants whose asylum requests are denied. The proposed reform includes tougher penalties for migrants who refuse to leave, potentially including detention and entry bans. However, opinions regarding the efficacy of these return hubs are divided. Some countries, including France and Spain, are skeptical about their effectiveness, labeling them as “legal black holes,” a term used by the International Rescue Committee (IRC).

“They will be located outside of EU territory, where policymakers cannot guarantee that people’s rights will be upheld,” said Marta Welander of IRC.

Deterrent or Challenge?

Supporters argue that these hubs may deter migrants from attempting to reach Europe. However, critics cite obstacles encountered in similar initiatives. For instance, the UK previously scrapped its plan to deport undocumented migrants to Rwanda, and Italian facilities in Albania for processing migrants have faced legal setbacks.

The package originally proposed by the European Commission has already received initial approval from EU member states. Excited talks will likely zero in on specific issues such as the authority’s search powers to locate irregular migrants.

Concerns Over Rights and Enforcement

A coalition of 70 rights organizations has expressed alarm about the reforms, warning that they could lead to ‘ICE-style immigration enforcement,’ akin to the aggressive tactics utilized by the U.S. under former President Trump. Silvia Carta, an advocacy officer at the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, stated, “This vote marks a dangerous turning point as centre-right forces align with the far right to push through a deeply repressive agenda, normalizing abuses seen with ICE and endangering countless lives.”