EU Lawmakers Vote In Favour of ‘Return Hubs’ For Asylum Seekers

European lawmakers have approved moving forward with a highly debated reform of EU migration rules, taking the proposal into the next stage of negotiations.

The European Parliament voted with 389 in favour, 206 against, and 32 abstentions, signalling broad but contested support.

The changes are aimed at updating the system for returning third-country nationals residing illegally in the EU.

Under the proposed rules, migrants whose asylum claims are rejected could be relocated to centres outside the bloc, known as “return hubs”, while their deportation is arranged. Those refusing to comply may face stricter penalties, including detention or temporary bans on entering the EU.

The vote followed several formal challenges from the S&D, Greens/EFA, and The Left groups, who questioned earlier committee decisions. Despite these objections, lawmakers from multiple political groups, including both Labour and Partit Nazzjonalista members, backed the measure.

Human rights organisations have criticised the approach, warning that transferring migrants outside the EU could limit legal protections. The International Rescue Committee described the hubs as potential “legal black holes”, expressing concern about the safety of fundamental rights in such facilities.

While some countries, such as Denmark, Germany, Austria, Greece, and the Netherlands, are exploring the creation of these centres, others, including France and Spain, remain sceptical about their effectiveness.

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