The European Parliament has approved a far-reaching new migration law that critics warn could undermine fundamental human rights protections for migrants and asylum seekers, marking one of the European Union's most significant shifts in migration policy in decades.

The legislation, known as the “Return Regulation,” was adopted on Wednesday by 418 votes to 218, with 30 abstentions, after receiving strong backing from centre-right and far-right political groups. Supporters argue the law will accelerate the return of migrants who do not have legal permission to remain in the European Union, while opponents say it risks eroding legal safeguards and normalizing practices previously considered unacceptable within the bloc.

At the center of the controversy is a provision allowing EU member states to establish so-called "return hubs" in non-EU countries through bilateral agreements. Under the new framework, migrants facing deportation could be transferred to facilities outside the EU while awaiting removal to their countries of origin.

Human rights advocates have expressed alarm over the proposal, warning that such centers could leave vulnerable individuals stranded for prolonged periods without clear legal protections or guarantees regarding their future status. While unaccompanied minors are exempt from the measure, families with children could still be transferred to the facilities.

The parliamentary vote also highlighted a growing rightward shift in European migration politics. The legislation was supported by lawmakers from the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), the right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), and far-right groups including Patriots for Europe (PfE) and Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN), with some support from members of the liberal Renew Europe group.

Following the vote, lawmakers supporting the bill applauded, while some right-wing members reportedly chanted slogans calling for the deportation of irregular migrants. Opposing lawmakers responded with chants condemning the measure.

Critics from the Socialist and Democratic bloc and left-wing parties warned that the law could have serious consequences for migrant rights and the EU's commitment to international humanitarian principles.

“This regulation risks normalising legally questionable practices that would have been unthinkable in the EU only a few years ago,” said Ana Catarina Mendes, vice-president of the Socialists and Democrats group.

In addition to the return hubs, the law grants authorities expanded powers to search residences and other premises linked to irregular migrants. Civil society organizations have voiced concerns that such provisions could lead to intrusive enforcement practices and increase fear among migrant communities.

The legislation also significantly extends detention periods. Under the new rules, irregular migrants awaiting deportation may be detained for up to two years, compared to the current six-month limit. In certain cases involving individuals deemed security risks, detention periods could be extended even further.

The law also introduces stricter entry bans. Migrants ordered to leave the EU could face re-entry prohibitions of up to ten years, while those categorized as security risks could be subjected to lifetime bans.

Another contentious aspect of the legislation concerns legal appeals. Under existing EU rules, deportation orders are generally suspended while legal challenges are being reviewed. The new regulation removes that automatic protection, leaving it to courts to decide whether deportations should be paused on a case-by-case basis.

Humanitarian organizations and migrant rights groups argue that the changes could expose vulnerable individuals to deportation before their cases are fully examined and may weaken access to justice for those seeking protection.

The approval of the legislation reflects growing political pressure across Europe for stricter migration controls amid rising anti-immigration sentiment in several member states. However, rights advocates warn that efforts to manage migration must not come at the expense of human dignity, international legal obligations, and the protection of vulnerable people fleeing conflict, persecution, and poverty.

As the EU moves toward implementing the new measures, humanitarian organizations are expected to continue pressing European institutions to ensure that migration policies remain consistent with international human rights standards and the bloc's longstanding commitments to refugee protection. (ILKHA)