The EU approves its toughest immigration deal in decades.

VTV.vn - The European Union's (EU) new immigration agreement marks a profound shift in the bloc's migration policy.

(Photo: AP)

The European Union (EU) has just reached a preliminary agreement on a new immigration law, considered the toughest in decades, allowing for the establishment of "repatriation centers" outside the bloc to receive rejected asylum seekers, while significantly expanding the powers of authorities to detain and deport migrants.

The agreement reached on June 1st between EU member states and the European Parliament is seen as an important step in efforts to control illegal immigration – an issue that is increasingly impacting political life in many European countries.

Proposed by the European Commission for the period of 2025, the new Return Regulation is considered by many policymakers to be a cornerstone of the EU's strategy to strengthen immigration management. However, this document still needs formal ratification by member governments and the European Parliament before it can come into effect.

A turning point in EU immigration policy.

According to the agreement, asylum seekers whose applications are rejected and who cannot be returned to their country of origin may be transferred to "repatriation centers" located in third countries outside the EU.

This provision will apply in cases where the country of origin refuses to accept its citizens back or where an EU member state carries out a deportation order that does not have diplomatic relations with the migrant's country of origin.

Notably, the new law no longer requires deported individuals to have prior ties to the receiving country. Under current regulations, most migrants can only be returned to their country of origin or the country with which they have a de facto connection. However, this barrier will be removed under the new mechanism.

Migrants seeking to cross the English Channel to reach England stand in a makeshift camp next to railway tracks near Dunkirk, northern France, on May 27, 2026. (Photo: AP)

Only unaccompanied minors are exempt from the regulations requiring transfer to repatriation centers. Meanwhile, families with children are still subject to potential placement in these facilities.

The EU has not yet announced which country will host the repatriation centers. However, several member states, including Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, and Greece, have been jointly studying this model since 2025. Italy is also currently implementing a similar program in Albania.

EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said the agreement marked an important step in restoring European control over immigration flows.

Speaking after the talks, Brunner stressed: "This is a very important step to ensure that the EU controls who is allowed into the bloc, who stays, and who leaves."

Significantly increase the powers of enforcement agencies.

In addition to allowing the establishment of repatriation centers outside the EU, the new law also grants authorities more power in handling immigrants who do not meet the eligibility requirements for residency.

Accordingly, asylum seekers whose applications are rejected will have to cooperate more closely with authorities during the repatriation process. Failure to comply may result in the قطع of social benefits, confiscation of travel documents, or detention pending deportation.

The maximum detention period for illegal immigrants has also been raised from the current 6 months to 24 months, with the possibility of extending it by another 6 months. For cases deemed to pose a threat to national security, the detention period may be extended indefinitely.

The EU is entering its strictest immigration policy in decades (Photo: AP)

Another new development is that entry bans for deported individuals will be significantly tightened. The usual entry ban duration will increase from 5 years to 10 years. In cases involving security concerns, the ban may be permanent.

Law enforcement agencies are also empowered to inspect residences or related locations to locate undocumented immigrants. This provision is intended to prevent escapes before deportation.

According to official EU figures, only about 29% of those asked to leave Europe are actually deported. This is one of the main reasons why many governments believe that legal tools need to be strengthened to improve enforcement effectiveness. Furthermore, policymakers argue that the challenge now lies not in the number of people arriving in Europe, but in the ability to implement repatriation decisions.

Source: https://vtv.vn/eu-thong-qua-thoa-thuan-nhap-cu-cung-ran-nhat-trong-nhieu-thap-ky-100260602172046859.htm