The European Parliament has approved the creation of centers for deported migrants outside the EU

Members of the European Parliament approved by a majority vote a new regulation on the deportation of foreign nationals who have been officially denied asylum in the European Union but, for various reasons, cannot be deported directly to their home countries. The main innovation of the regulation is the creation of special detention centers for migrants in third countries, that is, outside the EU. 

A total of 418 MEPs voted in favor of the decision, 218 voted against it, and 30 abstained. 

The exact list of countries where such centers are planned to be built and funded has not yet been officially disclosed. However, according to diplomatic sources cited by Politico, Brussels is actively discussing options for locating them in Central Asia, specifically in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. In addition, African countries—Rwanda and Uganda—are being considered as potential locations. According to Deutsche Welle, the new regulation also significantly tightens sanctions against undocumented migrants who refuse to leave the EU voluntarily: they will be detained more frequently, and their social benefits may be completely revoked or significantly reduced.

The new rules must still be approved by the European Council before they take effect. The key provisions regarding the establishment of overseas detention centers are expected to take effect immediately upon the document’s official publication. The remaining regulatory provisions, which require additional technical and legal preparation by member states, will take effect in one year.