The European Union (EU) has introduced a plan to change its migration policies, focusing on deporting more people and setting up return centers outside its borders.

Human rights groups strongly oppose the proposal, arguing that it threatens basic rights.

EU plans to expand deportations

Brussels is pushing for a shared legal system to handle migrant deportations across all 27 EU countries. Right now, only 20% of rejected asylum seekers leave Europe, a number that migration officials say is too low.

To fix this, the new plan would let one EU country carry out deportation orders from another, making the process faster.

A more controversial part of the proposal suggests sending migrants to third countries before returning them to their home countries. This could mean rejected asylum seekers would be held in “return hubs” outside Europe.

EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner defended the policy shift. “We are creating the scope for member states to explore new solutions for return,” he said in Strasbourg.

Return hubs raise human rights concerns

The EU’s plan to tighten migration policies relies on return hubs, which would serve as offshore detention centers.

Right now, EU rules only allow deportation to a migrant’s home country or a country they passed through unless they agree to go elsewhere. The new proposal would expand those options.

Human rights groups oppose the plan. Marta Welander from the International Rescue Committee warned that it could lead to more rights violations.

“Keeping people deliberately out of sight and out of mind is not a sustainable solution to Europe’s migration challenges,” she said​.

The EU won’t build or run the return hubs itself. Instead, it will make deals with non-EU countries that agree to take deported migrants.

Italy is already trying this approach, sending migrants to Albania under a separate agreement.

Migrant rights groups sound alarm

More than 100 organizations are urging EU lawmakers to reject the proposal, arguing that it treats migrants and their supporters like criminals.

The plan includes changes to the EU’s Facilitation Directive, which is meant to crack down on human smuggling. Critics argue that these changes would also punish migrants and humanitarian workers who help them.

“The Facilitator’s Package does not distinguish between organized crime and acts of solidarity,” the coalition’s letter states.

The plan to give Europol more power has also sparked concern. Critics argued that it would lead to mass data collection and greater police authority, focusing on vulnerable migrants instead of tackling the reasons people migrate.

Political pressures driving the crackdown

Strict migration policies are gaining support across Europe, especially in Sweden, Italy, Denmark, and the Netherlands. In October, EU leaders pushed for faster deportations, citing public concerns about irregular migration.

The European Commission’s plan for return hubs and stricter deportation laws reflects a broader political shift. As right-wing parties gain support, mainstream politicians face pressure to take a harder stance on immigration.

Stricter rules for travelers and migrants seeking entry

The EU’s push for stricter deportation rules and return hubs could affect more than just irregular migrants. While the focus is on rejected asylum seekers, the changes signal tighter immigration controls that could impact short-term visitors and long-term migrants.

One key factor is the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), set to launch in 2026. The ETIAS will require travelers from visa-exempt countries to get approval before entering the Schengen Zone.

Though marketed as a security measure, the EU’s crackdown on migration could lead to stricter border checks and more rejections for those suspected of overstaying visas or lacking strong reasons to return home.

The new deportation policies may also affect Schengen visa approvals. Authorities could tighten background checks, especially for applicants from countries with high asylum rejection rates.

Long-term migrants applying for residency or work permits might face stricter rules as EU governments focus more on enforcement and deportation than admitting new arrivals.

A shift toward tougher border controls

The EU’s new migration policies will likely encourage national governments to tighten their borders, reinforcing the bloc’s shift toward deterrence.

Countries like Italy and Denmark, which already support stricter asylum rules, may quickly strike deportation deals with non-EU nations, similar to Italy’s recent agreement with Albania.

For countries with more open immigration policies, such as Germany and Spain, the EU’s plan adds pressure to enforce stricter rules.

Under the new system, a deportation order from one EU country could be carried out across the bloc, making it harder for migrants to apply for asylum in multiple places.

Politics also play a role. As right-wing and nationalist parties gain support in Europe, migration enforcement is becoming a key election issue.

Governments under pressure may use the EU’s plan to justify tougher national laws on asylum, detention, and border control.

While the EU frames this proposal as a response to irregular migration, it reflects a larger effort to strengthen Europe’s borders.

The changes won’t just affect asylum seekers but also travelers, workers, and long-term migrants trying to enter or stay in the EU.

What’s next?

EU member states and the European Parliament will debate the migration reforms in the coming months. If approved, these changes could significantly alter how Europe handles asylum seekers and irregular migrants.

However, legal challenges and opposition from human rights groups could slow implementation. Critics warn that without legal protections, return hubs and expanded deportations might violate international human rights laws.

As Europe struggles with migration issues, the outcome of this legislation will shape the future of thousands seeking asylum on the continent.