Kenyans living unlawfully in European Union countries could face tougher deportation measures after the European Parliament approved sweeping changes aimed at speeding up the removal of undocumented migrants across the bloc.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The new legislation, approved on Wednesday, June 17, introduces stricter return procedures for non-EU nationals staying unlawfully in member states and is expected to significantly strengthen immigration enforcement across Europe.

Under the new rules, any third-country national issued a return decision will be required to leave the relevant EU country immediately or within a specified period set by national authorities.

The law also places a legal obligation on affected migrants to cooperate with authorities during the deportation process, with those deemed uncooperative facing stricter enforcement measures.

📌 What You Need to Know

“Today, Europe delivered. People rightly expect that those with no right to stay return to their countries of origin,” said Dutch lawmaker Malik Azmani, the rapporteur behind the legislation.

European countries will be allowed to detain undocumented migrants to facilitate their removal if they are considered a flight risk, fail to cooperate , or are deemed a security threat.

Detention periods could last for up to 24 months, with additional extensions possible under certain circumstances, including improved cooperation between EU countries and migrants' countries of origin.

The legislation further grants authorities powers to carry out investigative measures aimed at facilitating deportations, including searches of residences and the seizure of relevant documents and electronic devices, subject to judicial authorisation.

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of ‘return hubs’, which would allow EU countries to transfer undocumented migrants to third countries that agree to receive them under bilateral arrangements.

The move comes at a time when there is a global shift towards stricter immigration enforcement, with several Western nations tightening border controls and accelerating deportation processes for individuals found to be residing unlawfully within their territories.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke