This regulation is aimed at all non-EU citizens residing unlawfully within the bloc
The European Parliament is set to vote this month on a proposal that simplifies the process of deporting migrants living illegally in the bloc—including those whose asylum claims were denied, visa overstayers, and unauthorized entrants.
The amendment to the ‘Return Regulation’ proposes establishing detention facilities outside the EU where rejected asylum seekers would be held prior to being returned to their home countries. EU member states would be allowed to transfer migrants to these centers under bilateral agreements.
The regulation would also authorize searches of private residences for individuals with deportation orders, extend the detention period for migrants awaiting removal to a maximum of 24 months, and make deportation orders from any member state automatically enforceable across the entire bloc.
On Monday, the European Parliament’s Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs Committee (LIBE) approved the current version of the legislation. The proposal now awaits a final vote in the full European Parliament later this month, before entering negotiations with member states to finalize the text. Media reports citing EU officials indicate the law could be adopted by autumn.
The legislation enjoys strong support from center-right and right-wing groups as well as member states advocating for stricter border controls. However, it has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, legal experts, and left-leaning politicians, who warn it lacks an independent monitoring mechanism and could trigger controversial enforcement raids similar to recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions that sparked protests. Some also caution it would shift human rights responsibilities to countries with weaker legal systems.
The EU has faced a migration crisis since at least 2015, fueled by conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine. According to Eurostat, as of January 1, 2025, an estimated 46.7 million non-EU citizens lived in the bloc, accounting for around 10.4% of its population. Most member states have tightened border controls and migration policies in recent years.
The Ukraine conflict has intensified migration pressures on the EU. As of January 31, 2026, 4.38 million people fleeing Ukraine were residing in the bloc under temporary protection. Support for Ukrainian migrants has gradually waned since 2022, and major host countries—including Germany, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland—have been actively limiting their social benefits, citing budget constraints and housing strains.