Countries in the European Union agreed to simplify the process of returning illegal immigrants from third-world countries. The Council of the European Union finalized its position on a law that accelerates the process of returning those illegally present in member states.
The regulation establishes “return hubs” for third countries that “contain procedures for the return of an illegally staying person, the conditions for their stay in the non-EU country and the consequences if the agreement or arrangement is not respected,” the EU explained in a press release. These return hubs “can function both as centers for onward return towards the final country of return or as the final destination.”
“Three in four irregular migrants who have been issued a return decision in the EU, continue to stay here instead of returning home,” said Rasmus Stoklund, the Minister for Immigration and Integration of Denmark. “I am delighted that we have agreed on a new EU return regulation. I believe the new set of rules significantly can help improve these numbers. For the first time illegally staying third country nationals will have obligations. And member states will have a much better toolbox – for instance it will be possible to detain for a longer period and entry bans will be longer.”
He explained that the agreement will “make it possible for both the European Union and one or more member states to make an arrangement or agreement with a third country on return hubs.”
According to the European Union’s Migration and Home Affairs page, more than 400,000 foreign nationals are ordered to leave every year. Only 20% are ultimately returned to their country of origin.
