The European Council approved this Monday (8) a proposal that tightens immigration policy in member nations of the . One of the measures presented is the establishment of “return centers” for the destination of illegal immigrants in countries outside the bloc. A procedure for dealing with deportations was also defined. To come into force, the package needs to be voted on by the European Parliament.
In a statement, Denmark’s Minister for Immigration and Integration, Rasmus Stoklund, stated that “three out of four irregular immigrants who were ordered to return” remain in the European Union “instead of returning home”. “I believe that the new set of rules can significantly contribute to improving these numbers,” he said.
According to data from the European Union itself, 143,053 illegal entries were registered this year. Compared to information from 2024, irregular arrivals in the block fell by around 31.16%, when there were 207,814 arrivals.
Amnesty International’s Migration and Asylum lawyer, Olivia Sundberg Diez, criticized the European Council’s decision. In a note issued by the non-governmental organization, Diez stated that the “punitive measures represent an unprecedented deprivation of rights and will leave more people in precarious situations and in legal limbo”.
She also compared the measures with United States actions against illegal immigrants, mainly with the establishment of “return centers”. “Today the Council took a proposal that was already deeply flawed and restrictive and chose to introduce punitive measures, dismantling safeguards and further weakening rights, instead of promoting policies that encourage the dignity, safety and health of all,” Diez said.
Still in a statement and as a representative of Amnesty International, Diez asked the European Parliament to “reverse” the measures established in the new immigration plan and to “put human rights at the center of the next negotiations”.
CHANGES
In addition to the creation of “return centers”, the approved proposal defines that “strict obligations” will be imposed against illegal immigrants. This includes leaving European Union territory, being available to authorities, providing identity and/or travel documents and biometric data.
For those who “did not cooperate” with the “return order”, they may lose work authorization, benefits and subsidies. There is also the possibility of suffering criminal sanctions and even being arrested.
If the measure is approved, EU member countries will adopt the European Order of Return (OER). In this document, authorities will report the reasons for deporting an immigrant. The form must also be inserted into the Schengen Information System, where information for security and management of the bloc’s borders is shared.
