The European Parliament approved a controversial reform to the EU's return policy on Thursday, paving the way for member states to establish offshore "return hubs" for rejected asylum seekers.

Lawmakers backed the measure by 389 votes to 206, with 32 abstentions, clearing a key hurdle in the bloc's broader migration overhaul. The regulation allows national authorities to send individuals subject to return decisions, those whose asylum claims have been denied, to detention facilities in third countries while arranging their deportation to their countries of origin.

Under the new rules, people could be detained for up to two years in some cases, and return hubs must meet strict conditions to ensure human rights protections, according to EU proposals. The hubs are intended only for post-rejection processing, not initial asylum screening.

Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Greece, and Denmark are collaborating to create such facilities, with potential locations including Albania, Tunisia, Morocco, Rwanda, and Georgia. Greece's migration minister indicated a preference for sites in Africa.

The approval forms part of the EU's Pact on Migration and Asylum, agreed in principle last year and set for implementation in June 2026. Proponents argue that it addresses persistently low deportation rates; EU data shows only about 20-30% of return decisions are enforced by facilitating faster and more efficient removals.

Centre-right and far-right groups supported the vote, viewing it as a necessary firming of borders amid ongoing migration pressures. Italy's model with Albania served as an inspiration, though those centers faced legal challenges.

Human rights organizations condemned the move. Amnesty International warned it greenlights "punitive detention and deportation plans," risking "return hubs" becoming legal black holes. The International Rescue Committee called it a "historic setback for refugee rights," fearing offshore centers could lead to abuses similar to U.S. ICE facilities.

Critics highlighted that migrants could be sent to countries with no prior connection, provided bilateral agreements exist. Left-wing MEPs and NGOs urged rejection, arguing it abandons EU commitments to refugee protection.

The regulation now advances to final negotiations between Parliament and EU states. If adopted, it will enhance tools like extended detention and penalties for non-cooperative countries, aiming to make the EU's return system more robust.