EU approves legal basis for deportation centers in countries outside the Union

EU interior ministers approved, at a meeting in Luxembourg, the legislation paving the way for the establishment of centers in third countries for people whose asylum applications have been rejected.

People who have been issued an order to leave the EU but cannot be returned to their country of origin—for example, because that country refuses to accept them—will be sent to the so-called “Return Hubs.”

Germany, together with Austria, Denmark, Greece and the Netherlands, has long called for the implementation of this initiative.

Amnesty International raises concerns about the centers

Minister Dobrindt said that preliminary talks were under way with several countries, but did not say which ones. Rwanda, Uganda, Libya and Kazakhstan are often mentioned in public debates as possible locations.

The creation of these centers has been discussed for years and remains a controversial issue. Amnesty International warns that human rights could be violated there and opposes agreements with countries facing conflict or political instability.

Stricter migration rules

The new legislation also establishes an obligation for asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected to cooperate with the repatriation process if they want to avoid detention.

If they do not cooperate, their social benefits may be reduced or withdrawn across the EU, and their travel documents may be confiscated.

Authorities in member states may detain people until deportation if they determine that there is a risk of absconding or that the individuals pose a threat to national security. Under the new rules, the maximum detention period may last up to 24 months and, in exceptional circumstances, be extended by a further six months.

The new rules are expected to enter into force in the coming weeks. / DW