European Parliament Approves Creation of Migrant Centers Outside the EU

Members of the European Parliament approved a new regulation on the deportation of foreigners who have been denied asylum in the EU but cannot be sent back to their home countries. The document provides for the creation of centers outside the European Union to hold such migrants.

The regulation was backed by 418 lawmakers, with 218 voting against and 30 abstaining, the European Parliament press service reported.

It is not yet known where exactly such centers could be located. Politico wrote in early June, citing sources, that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan were among the possible options under discussion. Rwanda and Uganda were also named among the countries where such centers could be created.

According to Deutsche Welle, the new regulation also provides for tougher measures against those who refuse to leave EU territory despite having no right to stay. In particular, such people may more often be placed under arrest. In addition, cutting or fully abolishing benefits is being considered among measures to combat illegal migration.

The regulation still has to be approved by the European Council. Some provisions, including the rules on migrant detention centers, are expected to take effect immediately after the document’s official publication. Other provisions, which require additional preparation, will begin to apply in a year.

In 2024, Britain passed a law allowing illegal migrants to be deported to Rwanda. That same year, Italy ratified an agreement with Albania to build two migrant reception centers. Both decisions were criticized by human-rights advocates, who argued that sending people to third countries would make it harder to monitor respect for their rights.