Lawmakers in the European Union are expected to move forward with controversial migration reforms that could allow the creation of so-called “return hubs” for migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected.
A key committee in the European Parliament is scheduled to hold a preliminary vote on the proposal this week. If approved, the measure could be adopted during a full parliamentary vote within days.
The policy has already received backing from EU member states and reflects growing political pressure across Europe to tighten immigration rules and reduce irregular migration.
Under the proposed system, migrants whose asylum applications are rejected could be transferred to centers located outside the EU while awaiting deportation to their countries of origin. Supporters argue that such “return hubs” could improve the bloc’s ability to carry out deportations.
Currently, only about 20 percent of migrants ordered to leave the EU are actually returned to their home countries, according to official data.
The reforms also include stricter penalties for migrants who refuse to comply with deportation orders. These measures could involve detention or entry bans preventing individuals from returning to EU territory in the future.
The plan was originally proposed by the European Commission and has received strong support from center-right and far-right political groups in the European Parliament.
However, the proposal has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and left-wing lawmakers. Groups such as Amnesty International warn that sending migrants to detention centers outside EU borders could increase the risk of human rights violations.
Advocacy groups also argue that the system could allow migrants to be sent to countries they have never previously entered, raising concerns about due process and legal protections.
Some EU governments remain cautious about the proposal. Countries such as France and Spain have questioned whether return hubs would be effective in practice.
Other governments, including Germany, Austria, and several Nordic states, support the idea, arguing that stronger enforcement measures could deter migrants from attempting irregular journeys to Europe.
The debate comes as migration flows into the EU have recently declined. Official figures show that irregular border crossings dropped by 26 percent in 2025, while asylum applications decreased by nearly 20 percent.
If lawmakers approve the proposal, negotiations between the European Parliament and EU member states will begin to finalize the legislation before it can be fully implemented.