EU Paves Way to Allow Migrant Deportations to Centres Outside Bloc

The European Union has reached a provisional agreement on one of the most far-reaching migration reforms in its history, paving the way for faster deportations, longer detention periods and the establishment of controversial offshore "return hubs" in non-EU countries.

The deal, struck between the European Parliament and EU member states, forms a key part of the bloc's wider Migration and Asylum Pact, which is due to come into force on June 12. EU officials say the new rules are intended to increase the number of migrants returned after receiving deportation orders, as fewer than one-third of such orders are currently enforced.

A central feature of the legislation is the creation of a European Return Order , allowing deportation decisions issued in one member state to be recognised and enforced across the EU. The regulation also permits countries to establish return hubs outside the bloc, enabling rejected asylum seekers and irregular migrants to be transferred to third countries even when they have no personal connection to those destinations.

The agreement grants authorities broader powers to locate migrants facing removal, including collecting biometric data , conducting searches and home visits, and imposing stricter penalties on those who refuse to cooperate. It also expands detention powers, with reports indicating the maximum detention period could rise from six months to as much as 24 months , particularly in cases involving security concerns or flight risks.

Supporters argue the measures are necessary to restore credibility to the EU's migration system and prevent a repeat of the 2015 refugee crisis. However, rights groups and opposition lawmakers have condemned the reforms as a serious erosion of human rights protections , warning that offshore detention centres could become legal grey zones and increase the risk of wrongful deportations, arbitrary detention and the transfer of migrants to countries where they may face persecution or abuse.

Several countries, including Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece, are already exploring agreements with third countries to host return hubs, with Italy's arrangement with Albania widely viewed as the model for the new system. Formal approval of the legislation is expected in the coming months.