The European Parliament has approved a new and stricter law aimed at streamlining the deportation of irregular migrants, a move that has sparked strong reactions. While supporters welcomed the legislation, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed deep concern, stressing that European countries cannot shift their legal and humanitarian responsibilities onto other states.
The new law was approved by 418 votes in favor, with 218 Members of the European Parliament voting against and 30 abstaining. Its primary objective is to accelerate the deportation process for migrants who do not have the right to remain within the European Union. Under the new provisions, authorities will be able to detain migrants for up to 24 months, and in certain cases even longer. The legislation also strengthens mutual recognition of deportation decisions among EU member states and imposes new obligations on migrants, requiring them to cooperate with authorities during deportation procedures.
Reacting to the decision, Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized that the detention of vulnerable individuals—particularly children—and their transfer to third countries is an extremely sensitive issue that carries a significant risk of human rights violations. He warned that international law prohibits returning anyone to a place where their life would be at risk. He further stressed that deportation decisions must be based on individual assessments and should not be enforced until all appeal procedures have been exhausted.
The approval of the legislation has exposed deep divisions within the Parliament. Left-wing political groups argued that the law was the result of an alliance between mainstream conservatives and the far right. They warned against the emergence of mass deportation policies and increasingly coercive measures targeting migrants. Manon Aubry, a left-wing Member of the European Parliament, described the day of the vote as a “dark day” for the European Parliament, stating:
“This law legitimizes large-scale deportations and opens the door to raids on homes, schools, and hospitals.”
In contrast, supporters of stricter migration controls applauded the decision, describing it as an important step toward managing migration more effectively. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni warmly welcomed the vote, calling it a historic measure that would facilitate the swift return of individuals who do not have the right to stay in the European Union.
As part of the new system, the legislation allows member states to reach agreements for the establishment and use of return centers outside the European Union’s borders, where migrants may be held pending deportation. These measures come at a time when only about 20 percent of deportation orders issued against foreign nationals residing irregularly in the EU are currently enforced. This low implementation rate has generated considerable pressure in recent years to tighten migration laws. Consequently, the European Commission began drafting new rules more than a year ago to increase deportation rates. Despite opposition from some lawmakers and human rights organizations, the proposal has now been adopted into law.