The European Union has released a list of seven countries it deems “safe” for deportations, aiming to streamline migrant returns and tighten asylum rules. The list includes Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco, and Tunisia. Critics argue that this move undermines asylum safeguards, citing “documented rights abuses” in some of the featured countries.
The EU’s move is driven by pressure from member states to curb irregular arrivals and speed up deportations. Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner stated that faster asylum decisions are essential to address the significant backlog of applications. However, human rights groups have condemned the plan, saying it could lead to “misleading” and “dangerous” labeling.
The EU has published a list of safe countries of origin before, but this latest move is expected to harmonize rules across member states. The plan will be reviewed and expanded over time, with exemptions for countries in conflict or facing human rights abuses. The European Parliament must approve the plan before it can take effect. Despite criticism, some EU leaders have welcomed the initiative, citing the need for increased returns and innovative ways to combat irregular migration.
EU authorities report a decline in irregular border crossings, but still struggle to return migrants to their countries of origin. Less than 20% of those ordered to leave are returned, prompting calls for reform. The commission’s latest move is part of efforts to revamp the bloc’s return system, which allows member states to set up migrant return centers outside the EU.
Source: https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250416-eu-lists-seven-safe-countries-means-facilitate-deportation-asylum-rules