Finalising a key element of an overhauled EU asylum and migration system, politicians have agreed a regulation that will enable national authorities to raid people’s homes to enforce deportation orders.
People facing a deportation order who are deemed to be uncooperative or a flight risk could be detained for up to two years, extendable to 30 months, compared with the 18-month detention period under existing law. Those who refuse to comply with a deportation order could have benefits or other allowances cut.
The regulation will also enable the creation of offshore return hubs, centres outside the EU where undocumented people would be held for unspecified periods, pending return to their home country.
Several EU countries are in talks with countries, mostly in Africa, to create return hubs, although no agreements have been announced.
The text agreed in three-way talks on Monday between the main EU institutions – the European Council, the European parliament and European Commission – will enable the search of people’s homes “or other relevant premises” and seizure of personal belongings in order to ensure compliance with a deportation order.
Is it me or does this feel very 18th century vibes with a 20th century nationalist flavour?
Invading people homes and locking them up, forced displacement (“deportation” ), setting up “return hubs” which to me sounds awfully similar to a slave trade route resting spot. I thought it was established that mass human trafficking and raiding homes are bad.
