The European Commission is pushing for changes in how deportations are managed across the EU, as part of the Migration and Asylum Pact.
This could have significant effects on migrants, EU member states, and countries outside the Union.
EU focuses on deportation efficiency
Statewatch reports that the European Commission is pushing for quicker deportation processes as part of its broader Migration and Asylum Pact.
A key part of this reform is the introduction of a “return border procedure,” which aims to speed up the deportation of people whose asylum applications are rejected.
This procedure focuses on nationals from countries with an EU-wide asylum approval rate of 20% or less, like Senegal and Tunisia.
The Commission emphasized the importance of completing deportations within 24 weeks.
Under this policy, individuals denied international protection would be held in detention-like conditions at the EU’s external borders until their deportation is finalized.
A major challenge for the Commission is reducing the time needed to identify those who will be deported and issue the necessary travel documents to ensure a quick return.
Visa sanctions pressure non-cooperative countries
A key part of the EU’s deportation strategy includes visa sanctions, aimed at countries that do not cooperate with deportations.
Under Article 25a of the EU Visa Code, non-EU countries that are considered uncooperative can face penalties, such as higher visa fees or slower processing times for their citizens’ visa applications.
This approach is seen as crucial for encouraging compliance.
The Gambia was one of the first nations to be hit with these sanctions in 2021 and remains under restrictions, even though its deportation rate is relatively high at 50%. Ethiopia faced similar penalties earlier this year.
The report notes that these sanctions have been successful in encouraging cooperation, leading to new discussions with countries like Senegal and Cameroon.
Ethiopia and Iraq have also shown more willingness to comply after experiencing sanctions.
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Countries targeted for rapid deportation
Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, and Bangladesh are highlighted in the Commission’s report as having low asylum approval rates and high levels of irregular migration to the EU.
These countries are expected to be the main focus for expedited deportation procedures.
The Commission is also advocating for return agreements with these nations. For instance, negotiations with Nigeria for a readmission agreement are reportedly close to being finalized.
Such agreements would streamline the deportation process, helping the EU better manage cases and ease the burden on member states dealing with high levels of irregular migration.
Digital solutions to speed up deportations
The EU is introducing Return Case Management Systems (RCMS) as part of its effort to boost deportation efficiency.
These digital platforms will allow EU authorities to share information with third countries to verify the identities of individuals set for deportation.
By comparing biometric data and other relevant information between EU and non-EU countries, the goal is to speed up the deportation process and ensure that travel documents are issued promptly.
RCMS platforms are already in use in countries like Bangladesh, Armenia, and Pakistan, with more systems being developed for places such as Côte d'Ivoire and Gambia.
The EU, in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), is funding this initiative.
This digital infrastructure aims to tackle one of the biggest challenges to smooth deportations: delays in processing travel documents.
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Impact on EU visitors and migrants
The recent changes to EU deportation procedures are expected to have a major impact on both short-term visitors and migrants.
For people from countries with low asylum approval rates, the faster deportation process could make Europe less attractive, particularly for those planning to seek asylum.
For instance, travelers from nations like Senegal and Tunisia, where asylum requests are often rejected, may face heightened scrutiny when entering the EU.
Visa sanctions present yet another obstacle for short-term visitors from countries not cooperating with deportation efforts.
With higher visa fees and processing delays, nationals from these countries may encounter more difficulties in traveling to the EU, whether for short visits or longer stays.
Additionally, the visa penalties tied to Article 25a highlight the EU’s commitment to enforcing its migration policies, even at the risk of straining diplomatic relations with non-EU countries.
Tightened migration control
The accelerated deportation procedures signal a major shift in the EU’s approach to handling irregular migration.
The emphasis on return border procedures, combined with visa sanctions, is part of a broader effort to curb irregular migration and streamline the deportation process for those whose asylum claims are denied.
Visa sanctions against countries that do not cooperate serve as both a deterrent and a way to enforce compliance.
By tying cooperation on deportations to visa access, the EU is making it clear that non-cooperation on migration issues will have tangible consequences.
This approach could prompt countries that rely on strong EU relations for trade, travel, and diplomacy to reconsider their immigration policies.
The introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), along with reforms to Schengen visa policies, further highlights the EU’s commitment to tightening migration control.
By strengthening entry regulations and ensuring faster deportations, the EU aims to ease the strain on member states and send a clear message that irregular migration will not be tolerated.
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Balancing efficiency, human rights concerns
The EU’s push for faster deportation procedures marks a pivotal shift in its migration policy.
By prioritizing expedited returns and leveraging visa sanctions, the EU is aiming to tighten control over its borders and streamline the deportation process for those with rejected asylum claims.
However, these changes will have significant effects, especially for migrants and travelers from countries with low asylum approval rates.
With the upcoming launch of ETIAS and further visa policy reforms, Europe’s migration landscape is poised for dramatic change.
The key question is whether these measures will successfully balance the need for border control with the EU’s humanitarian commitments.