EU agrees on new returns directive: migrants can be sent to third countries

EU negotiators have reached an agreement on a new migrants' returns directive. The new law will allow member states to send irregular migrants to so-called return centres outside EU territory. This change represents a significant shift in the EU's migration policy.

EU negotiators have reached an agreement on new legislation that significantly changes how member states handle people who are obliged to leave EU territory. The new regulation would allow countries to send such individuals to so-called return centres located outside the European Union.

What the new law changes

Current EU legal framework stipulated that people subject to return orders must be sent to their country of origin or to another country willing to accept them. The new agreement opens the door to directing migrants to so-called third countries, which do not need to be the person's home country.

This change has been under discussion in the European Union for some time, particularly after several member states decided to limit migrant intake by cooperating with third countries. Examples cited include Italy's agreement with Albania and the UK's earlier plan with Rwanda.

The concept of return centres

The concept of return centres essentially means that people removed from EU borders would not necessarily be returned to their country of origin, but rather to some third country that has agreed to temporarily accept such individuals. Critics have warned that this could harm migrants' fundamental rights and raise questions about compliance with humanitarian law.

The agreement must now be confirmed by the European Parliament and the Council of Member States before it takes effect. EU migration policy has been one of the most contentious policy areas within the union in recent years.