EU Parliament Approves Stricter Migration Measures, Expanding Deportation Powers

The European Parliament on Wednesday approved more stringent migration measures that grant member states wider-ranging powers to deport failed asylum-seekers.

EU lawmakers approved the changes to EU policy with 418 in favor to 218 against and 30 abstentions.

The measures highlight the growth in anti-immigration sentiment across the EU, while also fuelling the rise of the far-right.

What the new policy entails

Under the new system member states will be allowed to establish so-called "return hubs" in non-EU countries.

A non-EU national found to be staying illegally within a member state will be obliged to leave the EU country "immediately or within a given time," the European Parliament said.

A migrant or asylum seeker in such a situation could find themselves in "return hubs" in other countries that have an agreement with EU member states.

These agreements "may only be concluded with third countries that uphold human rights, international law and the principle of non-refoulement."

Under the legislation, the person may be detained, should they fail to cooperate with local authorities or if they're found to pose a security risk.

"The new rules seek to simplify and speed up procedures, with full respect for fundamental rights and international law," a statement from the European Parliament said.

What's being said about the measures

EU MP Malik Azmani welcomed the approval and said: "Today Europe delivered. People rightly expect that those with no right to stay return to their countries of origin. That's why I have one clear priority: effective, realistic return measures."

EU members have said that they face a battle to ensure that rejected asylum seekers and those overstaying their visas leave their territories.

"The Return Regulation will ​provide the necessary tools to make returns more efficient, with faster and more effective procedures," ​European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said in a letter on Tuesday.

Root cause of migration not being considered say critics

Those critical of the EU's migration policy say they do not go far enough in terms of addressing the push factors that cause migration which include conflict, food insecurity and basic political freedom.

"The dehumanization of migrants and refugees, including in the UK, US, and many EU countries, is appalling, often leading also to the denial of their rights," UN human rights chief Volker Turk, said Monday.

The text still requires final formal approval from the 27 member governments.

Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez