The European Union is preparing to dramatically strengthen its deportation powers with a new landmark law enabling the transfer of migrants to return hubs outside Europe and simplifying the removal of those without legal residency rights.

The proposed legislation, known as the Return Regulation, is expected to move forward following negotiations between EU institutions and member states in Brussels, marking what critics describe as a major shift from migration management toward accelerated deportation policies.

Under the new rules, EU countries would be allowed to deport irregular migrants not only to their countries of origin but also to third countries with which they have no previous connection. The system would rely on bilateral agreements and the establishment of so-called “return hubs” outside EU territory.

Human rights organizations and migrant advocacy groups warn that the policy risks creating offshore detention systems with weak oversight and limited legal protections. Critics argue that rather than addressing migration challenges, the EU is attempting to shift responsibility to poorer countries outside its borders.

The regulation would also allow families and children to be transferred to return centers abroad, with only unaccompanied minors exempt from the measure. Detention periods for irregular migrants could be extended from six months to two years, while individuals classified as security risks could face detention without a clear maximum time limit.

Rights groups have also raised concerns over provisions that would expand powers for authorities to search homes and other locations where irregular migrants may be staying, warning that such measures could increase discriminatory practices and violations of fundamental rights.

More than 250 civil society organizations have called for the proposal to be withdrawn. Sarah Chander, executive director of the Equinox Initiative for Racial Justice, said the EU is moving to legitimize “offshore detention centers, ethnic profiling, and the detention of children on an unprecedented scale.”

Critics also question whether the tougher approach will reduce migration flows. Italy’s migration arrangements with Albania — often presented as a model for external processing — have faced operational problems and have remained below projected capacity, raising doubts about the effectiveness of similar projects.

The push for tougher measures comes despite a decline in irregular migrant arrivals over the past two years. Analysts and advocacy groups argue that growing political pressure from far-right parties across Europe is increasingly shaping migration policy across the bloc.

If approved by the European Parliament and member states, the Return Regulation would represent one of the clearest signs yet that the European Union is moving toward a migration strategy centered on deterrence, detention, and faster deportations rather than integration and protection mechanisms. (ILKHA)