politics
European Parliament Approves Law to Speed Up Migrant Returns
The European Parliament passed legislation on Wednesday that increases detention periods and allows return hubs outside the EU for migrants without legal residency. The measure passed 418-218 with support from centre-right and far-right groups.
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The European Parliament approved legislation on Wednesday that raises maximum detention periods for irregular migrants and permits EU countries to establish return hubs outside the bloc.
The law extends the maximum detention period from six months to two years, with a possible six-month extension. It also allows unlimited detention for individuals deemed security risks. Entry bans increase from five to ten years in most cases, and lifetime bans are possible for those assessed as security threats.
The measure alters the appeals process by removing automatic suspension of deportations during legal challenges. Courts will decide case-by-case whether return orders should be suspended.
Return hubs may function as transit points or long-term facilities without a fixed time limit. Only unaccompanied minors are exempt, while families with children may be sent to these locations. The law received 418 votes in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions.
Support came from the centre-right European People's Party along with the European Conservatives and Reformists and far-right groups including Patriots for Europe. Several members of the liberal Renew Europe group also voted in favor.
