EU Parliament to vote on new returns policy for asylum applicants

The European Parliament is set to vote on a new returns policy for international protection applicants denied asylum within the EU. This legislation, the final part of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, establishes uniform European regulations for individuals who have undergone the legal process and are determined not to have the right to reside in the bloc.

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There’s compassionate at the heart of it

Irish MEP Regina Doherty announced her intention to vote in favor, citing a public lack of confidence in the current system. She emphasized the need for a system that is both fair and firm, offering protection to those genuinely needing international asylum while being resolute with those lacking a legal right to stay and ensuring legal enforcement. "There’s compassionate at the heart of it," Doherty stated, highlighting that the legislation incorporates human rights safeguards throughout.

Doherty clarified that the decisions made during the asylum process must be respected by applicants and upheld by all member states, with the new legislation ensuring consistent application and rules across the EU. She refuted claims that the policy mirrors systems like ICE in the US or the Rwanda plan in the UK, labeling such suggestions as "misinformation." "That’s not how we do business in the EU," she asserted.

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That’s not how we do business in the EU

Addressing concerns about return hubs in non-EU countries, Doherty explained that this aspect is not part of the current legislation and has been "blown out of all proportion." She indicated that such mechanisms would only be considered as a last resort, after all legal avenues have been exhausted, and suggested only a few countries might utilize them. She also noted that, as a final measure, families with children and unaccompanied minors without legal status could be detained, but only for the shortest necessary duration.

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blown out of all proportion