Rabat – The European Parliament approved today a major overhaul of the European Union’s migration rules, giving final approval to legislation that allows member states to establish deportation centers outside the bloc for migrants who have no legal right to remain.
Lawmakers voted 418 to 218 in favor of the reform during a session in Strasbourg, marking one of the final steps before the legislation takes effect. The proposal now awaits formal approval from EU member states, which have already given their preliminary backing.
The new law aims to strengthen the EU’s return system as European governments seek to reduce irregular migration. According to EU figures, fewer than 30% of people ordered to leave the bloc are currently returned to their countries of origin.
One of the most controversial parts of the reform allows countries to create “return hubs” outside the EU, where migrants facing deportation could be sent. Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, and several other countries have already been exploring the idea.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently said his government hopes to reach agreements this year so the first return hubs can begin operating in 2027.
The legislation also requires migrants who receive deportation orders to cooperate with authorities and leave the EU. Those considered a security risk, or believed likely to evade deportation, could be detained for up to two years. Authorities would also be allowed to search migrants, their homes, and seize personal belongings when necessary to enforce return orders.
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EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner welcomed the vote, saying the regulation makes clear that “it is us and not the smugglers deciding who can stay in the European Union and who must leave.”
The reform sparked sharp political divisions in the European Parliament. Right-wing lawmakers celebrated the vote as a major step toward stronger border controls, while left-wing members condemned the legislation. French lawmaker François-Xavier Bellamy called it “a historic step for Europe.”
Human rights organizations also criticized the changes. Caritas warned that the new measures could stigmatize migrants and increase social tensions. Human Rights Watch expressed concern that return hubs could become offshore detention centers in countries with poor human rights records, while critics argued they risk leaving migrants stranded with limited legal protections.
Most of the new rules will take effect immediately after the law officially enters into force, while some provisions will be implemented 12 months later.
