EU Parliament Passes Controversial Deportation Bill for Return Hubs
On June 17, 2026, the European Parliament in Strasbourg adopted a reform allowing EU member states to deport rejected asylum seekers to detention centers, or "return hubs," in non-EU countries. The bill passed 418-218, with far-right MEPs chanting "Send them back!" and left-wing lawmakers protesting. The legislation includes police powers for home raids, two-year detentions, and offshore processing. Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands lead efforts to establish hubs, with Germany and the Netherlands aiming for operational hubs by year-end.
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EU passes law allowing offshore deportation centres
On June 17, 2026, the European Parliament passed the Return Regulation, a landmark anti-migration law allowing EU member states to set up offshore deportation centres or 'return hubs' in non-EU countries through bilateral agreements. The law, proposed by the European Commission in 2025 and finalized on June 1, 2026, was approved with 418 votes in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. It permits the deportation of irregular immigrants to third-party countries that 'uphold human rights, international law and the principle of non-refoulement.' Key provisions include raising the maximum detention period from six months to two years, allowing unlimited detention for security risks, permitting searches of residences, and imposing entry bans and criminal sanctions. Exemptions apply only to unaccompanied minors, while families with children are included. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the law 'fair and firm,' but critics argue it shows 'little regard for people's safety, dignity and rights' and undermines EU fundamental values. The law requires approval from all individual EU governments before full implementation.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Far-right MEPs chant 'Send them back!' as European Parliament adopts reform for migrant return hubs outside EU
On June 17, 2026, the European Parliament in Strasbourg adopted a reform that allows EU member states to create detention centers outside the European Union, known as 'return hubs,' for migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected. The vote was 418 in favor, 218 against, and 30 abstentions. Far-right MEPs chanted 'Send them back!' while left-wing MEPs responded with 'Shame on you!' The reform is designed as a complement to the 2024 pact on migration and asylum, which entered into force in France on June 12, 2026. It aims to speed up deportations and strengthen sanctions for rejected asylum seekers. The French government supported the creation of these external detention centers.
Politique : Toute l’actualité sur Le Monde.fr.Far-right MEPs and EPP Sidelined Renew Lead as EU Deportation Bill Nears Final Vote
The European Parliament is set to vote on a controversial EU deportation bill on 17 June, after the European People's Party (EPP) sidelined the lead Renew Europe MEP Malik Azmani by introducing a hard-right-backed alternative text. The bill, which has already passed committee level, includes provisions for police powers to raid homes for undocumented migrants, two-year detentions, and offshore processing centres (return hubs) in non-EU countries. Far-right MEP Fabrice Leggeri, facing a complicity in crimes against humanity probe, endorsed the bill, while Azmani expressed gratitude for 'constructive cooperation.' Renew Europe was the most divided party on the issue, with some members resisting the inclusion of migrant children. The regulation is expected to pass the final plenary vote with little amendment.
EUobserverFar-right influence grows as sidelined Renew MEP endorses EU deportation bill
The European Parliament is set to vote on a controversial EU deportation bill on Wednesday, after it passed committee level earlier this week. The bill, drafted largely by a right-wing faction, sidelines lead MEP Malik Azmani of the Renew Europe group. Despite being marginalized, Azmani expressed gratitude for constructive cooperation and endorsed the final text. The European People's Party (EPP), led by François-Xavier Bellamy, presented an alternative text backed by the hard right. The bill includes provisions for police raids on homes, two-year detentions, and offshore processing centers for asylum seekers outside the EU. Far-right MEP Fabrice Leggeri, facing a crimes against humanity probe, attacked former migration commissioner Ylva Johansson. The legislation is expected to pass with minimal amendments, reflecting a significant shift to the right on migration policy.
EUobserverFar-right influence grows as sidelined Renew Europe MEP endorses EU deportation bill
The European Parliament is set to vote on a controversial EU deportation bill on Wednesday, after the bill passed through committee level earlier this week. The legislation, drafted largely by a right-wing faction, sidelines the lead MEP, Dutch Renew Europe member Malik Azmani. Despite being marginalized, Azmani expressed gratitude for 'constructive cooperation' and endorsed the final text. The European People's Party (EPP), led by François-Xavier Bellamy, presented an alternative text backed by the hard right. The bill grants police powers to raid homes for undocumented migrants, allows up to two years of detention, and provides a legal framework for offshore processing centers in non-EU countries. Far-right MEP Fabrice Leggeri, facing a crimes against humanity probe, attacked former migration commissioner Ylva Johansson. The bill is expected to pass with minimal amendments, reflecting a significant shift to the right on migration policy.
EUobserverEU deportation bill set to sail through parliament, as left scramble to add safeguards
The EU's controversial deportation bill is heading for a crucial vote next week at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The bill, which would allow member states to deport rejected asylum seekers to so-called 'return hubs' in foreign countries, is expected to pass with support from a right-wing majority including far-right forces and the centre-right European People's Party (EPP). Left-leaning and progressive lawmakers are making last-minute efforts to soften the legislation, with French MEP Fabienne Keller proposing an amendment to exempt children and their families from being sent to such hubs. The bill has drawn widespread criticism for its rushed and ideologically driven nature. Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands are leading efforts to establish return hubs, with Germany and the Netherlands aiming to have them ready by the end of the year. The vote is scheduled for Wednesday, 17 June, following a committee vote on Monday evening.
EUobserverEU deportation bill set to sail through parliament, as left scramble to add safeguards
The European Parliament is set to vote on a controversial EU deportation bill on June 17, which would allow member states to deport rejected asylum seekers to return hubs in foreign countries. The bill is expected to pass with support from a right-wing majority, including far-right forces and the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), following a political agreement with EU states. Progressive and left-leaning lawmakers are making last-minute efforts to soften the bill, with French MEP Fabienne Keller proposing an amendment to exempt children and their families from being sent to such hubs. The bill has drawn widespread criticism for its rushed and ideologically driven nature. Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands are leading efforts to set up return hubs, with Germany and the Netherlands aiming to have them ready by the end of the year. The vote will first pass through the civil liberties committee on Monday evening before the plenary vote.
EUobserverEU deportation bill set to sail through parliament, as left scramble to add safeguards
The EU's controversial deportation bill is heading for a crucial vote next week at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, with a right-wing majority expected to pass it. The bill allows member states to deport rejected asylum seekers to so-called 'return hubs' in foreign countries, a concept that has drawn widespread criticism. Left-leaning and progressive lawmakers are making last-minute efforts to soften the legislation, including an amendment by French MEP Fabienne Keller to exempt children and their families from being sent to such hubs. The bill is likely to be rubber-stamped on Wednesday, June 17, following a political agreement with EU states earlier this month. Austria, Denmark, Germany, Greece, and the Netherlands are leading efforts to set up these hubs, with Germany and the Netherlands hoping to have them ready by the end of the year.
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