EU finally set to get tough on migration – as huge change edges closer | World | News
The EU is set to introduce tougher rules on migration over the coming months. The change, which is expected to be enforced from June, will mean asylum seekers can be deported to a country outside the EU even if they have no link to that nation.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted for legislative changes that will create offshore centres for migrants and asylum seekers. It will see them transferred to unrelated countries before their claims are processed as long as the relevant government has agreed with the receiving state. The country must also be considered “safe” meaning asylum seekers sent there will be treated according to international standards.
As reported by The Guardian, MEPs voted to create a list of “safe third countries”, which includes Georgia, Turkey, Bangladesh, Colmbia and Egypt. India, Kosovo, Morocco and Tunisia also feature on the list of safe places.
However, human rights groups have argued against the inclusion of Tunisia where some some migrants have been forced to remote desert regions. President Kaïs Saïed has also jailed opposition figures for up to 66 years.
Alessandro Ciriani, an Italian MEP, said: “This is the beginning of a new phase: migration is no longer endured but governed.” He added: “For too long, political decisions in migration policy have been systematically called into question by divergent judicial interpretations, paralysing state action and fuelling administrative chaos.”
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The scheme, which will see EU states form migrant agreements with foreign governments in exchange for money, is similar to the previous deal between the UK and Rwanda. The current Labour government scrapped the programme which was blocked by the UK’s top court.
The new project includes safeguarding measures such as the protection of asylum seekers from serious harm and persecution. They will also have access to education, work permits and residence rights.
The move was backed by the European Parliament with 396 votes in favour and 226 against. German MEP Lena Düpont said: “This vote will allow EU member states to really make use of cooperation with third countries in a different manner than before.”
