European Parliament has given the green light to a radical overhaul of the bloc’s migration rules, paving the way for the creation of offshore detention centres and significantly tougher measures against irregular migrants. The decision, which could have far-reaching implications for Bangladeshi expatriates and asylum seekers in Europe, was passed with 389 votes in favour, 206 against, and 32 abstentions on Thursday.

New legislation, formally known as the Return Regulation, aims to drastically increase the deportation rate of individuals without legal status. Central to the reform is the establishment of ‘return hubs’. These are centres located outside EU territory, built through bilateral agreements with non-EU nations, where rejected asylum seekers would be held before potential deportation. Proponents argue this will act as a deterrent. Critics, however, have labelled them “legal black holes” where fundamental rights cannot be guaranteed.

Under the new rules, the maximum detention period for migrants awaiting return has been extended to up to two years. Authorities will also be able to impose entry bans stretching to 20 years or more, with permanent bans for those deemed a security risk. The bill also seeks to limit the automatic suspensive effect of appeals, meaning deportation could proceed more swiftly unless a judge rules otherwise on a case-by-case basis.

The move has drawn sharp criticism for replicating the heavy-handed tactics of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A coalition of 70 rights groups warned the reform would allow for “ICE-style immigration enforcement” across Europe. This comes amid heightened sensitivity following the deaths of 32 people in ICE custody in 2025.

“This vote marks a dangerous turning point, as centre-right forces break the cordon sanitaire to align with the far right and push through a deeply repressive agenda,” said Silvia Carta from the Platform for International Cooperation on Undocumented Migrants. She added that the law normalises mass detention, family separation, and deportations.

While European governments cite the low return rate of roughly 20 per cent as justification for the crackdown, researchers note this statistic is misleading. Many return orders are issued in cases where removal is not legally or practically feasible due to pending appeals, health conditions, or non-cooperation from countries of origin.

The regulation, which now moves to trilogue negotiations between the Parliament, Commission, and Council, includes provisions allowing authorities to conduct home raids and workplace inspections to detect irregular migrants. Human rights organisations warn this will push vulnerable individuals away from medical care and labour protections.

For Bangladeshis living or seeking refuge in Europe, the legislation signals a dramatic hardening of the continent’s stance. While migrant arrivals dropped in 2025, the political focus has shifted entirely to enforcing deportations rather than addressing the structural causes of irregular migration, such as employer-tied permits that leave workers vulnerable.

Source: CEPS, Euronews, Le Monde, France 24