A tightening of the Europe Union’s immigration policy, paving the way for so-called “return hubs” for failed asylum-seekers, is expected to gain the backing of lawmakers this week, with center-right and right-wing parliamentarians joining forces to ensure its passage.
The member states have already approved these measures, which are slowly responding to political pressure to curb illegal migration across the 27-nation bloc. However, the plan has been severely criticized by left-wing parties.
The reform would notably allow for the opening of processing centers outside the EU’s borders. Migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected would be sent to these return hubs.
The proposal also envisages harsher penalties for migrants who refuse to leave European territory, including measures such as detention and long-term entry bans.
