EU set to allow migrant deportation to centres outside bloc

European Union lawmakers and governments agreed on June 1 on new rules allowing countries to send migrants ordered to leave the bloc to centres in other countries, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from rights groups that warn it could enable abuses.

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The deal is part of a broader tightening of EU migration policy amid pressure from right-wing parties, even as irregular arrivals fell 26 per cent in 2025 to their lowest level since 2021.

The legislation, which still requires formal approval by EU governments and the European Parliament, was proposed by the European Commission in 2025.

The commission says it would streamline procedures and give governments more tools to deport people while respecting fundamental rights.

Rights groups, however, dispute that assessment.

“This regulation is going to create a draconian detention and deportation machine,” said Silvia Carta, advocacy officer at the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants, a human rights organisation.

EU countries say they struggle to ensure that rejected asylum seekers and visa overstayers leave their territory. The commission says only about 20 per cent of people ordered to leave currently depart.