The so-called ‘return regulation’ has become the most far-reaching change to the bloc’s migration policy in recent decades. It is considered controversial because it will allow EU countries to set up deportation centres, known as return centres, outside the Union on the basis of agreements with non-EU states.
Return centres and searches
Such centres may be used either as transit points where people await deportation to their country of origin, or as places for the long-term detention of migrants, including for indefinite periods and without any guarantee of subsequent deportation.
Only unaccompanied minors will be exempt from this measure, whilst families with children may be sent to these centres, Euronews reports.
In addition to return centres, the new law also provides for the possibility of searching the ‘places of residence or other relevant premises’ of irregular migrants. It also introduces longer periods of detention, stricter entry bans and new powers to track down irregular migrants.
The maximum period of detention provided for by law for irregular migrants awaiting deportation is increased from six months to two years, with the possibility of a six-month extension and no time limit for individuals deemed to pose a security threat.
Entry bans are also being significantly tightened: in most cases, their duration will increase from five to ten years, whilst a lifetime ban is possible for individuals deemed a threat to security.
The law also changes the appeals procedure. Currently, deportation is automatically suspended whilst legal proceedings are ongoing. The new legislation removes this safeguard, leaving it to the courts to decide whether to suspend a return order.
