EU Parliament Backs Tougher Deportation Rules

The European Parliament has approved an overhaul of EU migration policy aimed at speeding up deportations and allowing member states to establish detention centers abroad. The proposal still requires formal approval from all 27 EU governments.

The European Commission says the new rules will give member states the tools to return rejected asylum seekers and people who have overstayed their visas more quickly and effectively. Critics say the reform will expand detention, weaken safeguards for asylum seekers and increase the risk of people being returned to countries where they could face persecution.

Negotiations over the return of Afghan migrants form part of the wider debate.

The Commission has invited Taliban representatives to Brussels for technical talks on the return and readmission of Afghans who do not have the right to remain in the EU. It says the meeting does not constitute recognition of Taliban rule and that deportations would be limited to individuals “who pose a security risk”.

(Reuters, bak)