EU votes in favor of migrant 'return hubs'

"Those who refuse to be relocated to the return hubs would face harsh penalties including detention and entry bans, according to the proposals."

"They will be located outside of EU territory, where policymakers cannot guarantee that people's rights will be upheld, said International Rescue Committee's Marta Welander."

"The controversy surrounding the proposed legislation isn't just limited to its content, but also to the political negotiations which have made it possible."

European lawmakers approved controversial proposals to deport illegal migrants to return hubs outside the EU, with a vote of 389 to 206. These reforms establish centers for migrants whose asylum applications are rejected. Non-compliance with relocation could result in detention and entry bans. While some EU countries support the initiative, others, including France and Spain, question its effectiveness. Human rights groups express concerns about potential violations of migrants' rights in these hubs, drawing parallels to previous failed deportation schemes in the UK and Italy.

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