By Micah Jonah
February 11, 2026
The European Parliament has passed new legislation permitting member states to deport migrants to designated “safe” third countries, even if the individuals are not nationals of those countries.
The measure was approved on Tuesday with 396 votes in favour, 226 against, as centre and far right lawmakers backed the proposal.
Under the new regulation, European Union states may transfer asylum seekers to countries they merely transited through, provided such countries are considered to meet international standards for the treatment of migrants.
The law also allows deportation to third countries with which asylum seekers have no prior ties, subject to agreements between the EU state and the receiving country. The rules are expected to take effect in June, pending final approval by the 27 EU member governments.
The development signals a significant tightening of the EU’s migration policy, reflecting growing anti immigration sentiment across Europe over the past decade. The shift gained momentum following the 2015 to 2016 migrant crisis, during which more than one million refugees and migrants entered the bloc.
During the same session, lawmakers approved a list of countries classified as “safe”, including Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco and Tunisia.
However, human rights organizations have raised concerns over the policy, warning that it could expose deported migrants to abuse and exploitation in countries where they may have no social support or legal protection.
Meron Ameha Knikman of the International Rescue Committee cautioned that the rules could force individuals into unfamiliar environments where they face language barriers and potential rights violations.
Similarly, Italian lawmaker Cecilia Strada criticized the designation of certain countries as safe, noting that previous European Parliament resolutions had highlighted concerns over rule of law and fundamental rights in some of those nations.
The legislation follows the EU’s broader Pact on Migration and Asylum adopted last year, which introduced stricter border procedures and expanded deportation mechanisms, including the establishment of return centres for rejected asylum seekers.
Observers say the new law underscores Europe’s increasingly firm stance on irregular migration amid political pressure from nationalists and far right parties across the region.
