EU Unveils Overhaul of Deportation System to Boost Returns

The European Commission has introduced a new Returns Directive aimed at improving the deportation of rejected asylum seekers, a move seen as crucial for addressing the EU's low return rate of around 20%. The proposal includes the establishment of 'return hubs' outside the EU, where member states can deport rejected migrants, and emphasizes the need for a unified system to prevent individuals from evading deportation by moving between countries. It mandates that rejected asylum seekers cooperate in their repatriation, with the threat of sanctions for non-compliance, and introduces stricter measures for those deemed security risks. Critics, particularly from the left, have voiced concerns about potential human rights implications and the directive's impact on asylum seekers. EU Commissioner Magnus Brunner described the directive as a 'gamechanger' that aims to restore public trust in the asylum system by ensuring effective returns. The proposal will undergo examination and needs approval from the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union before implementation.