The Digester
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EU parliament backs plan to allow migrant return hubs outside bloc

MEPs approved a migration reform package that would permit sending rejected asylum seekers to external return hubs and impose harsher penalties, prompting criticism from rights groups and pending final EU approval.

Mar 26th 2026 · World

Insights

  • European Parliament voted 389 to 206 to advance reforms allowing migrants denied asylum to be sent to return hubs outside the EU.
  • The package introduces tougher penalties for irregular migrants, including detention and entry bans for those who refuse to leave.
  • Several member states are negotiating with mainly African governments to host the proposed centers, with Greece, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria and Denmark active in talks.
  • Human rights groups warn the hubs would create legal black holes and compare the measures to US ICE practices, while supporters say the hubs will deter irregular migration.
  • The reform still needs final agreement in negotiations between the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of the European Union.

Sources