Caritas Alerts: EU Return Rules Prioritize Deportation Over Dignity

The European Parliament plans to vote on the Return Regulation on Wednesday, raising concerns about detention, return hubs, and weakened safeguards.

Caritas Europa has expressed concern that the EU’s new Return Regulation could significantly undermine migrant rights, shifting towards a “return at all costs” model that prioritizes deportation, detention, and enforcement over human dignity and sustainable solutions.

The European Parliament will vote on the reform on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, following a debate in Strasbourg on Tuesday. This follows a provisional agreement between Parliament and Council negotiators on rules meant to expedite the return of non-EU nationals who lack legal residency in the Union.

EU institutions claim the regulation is necessary to make return procedures faster, more consistent, and credible across member states. Parliament’s briefing suggests the reform would introduce stronger cooperation duties, allow detention for up to 24 months, reinforce the mutual recognition of return decisions, and permit the use of “return hubs” outside the EU. The European Parliament press service states the rules aim to simplify procedures while respecting fundamental rights and international law.

However, Caritas Europa believes the focus has shifted excessively toward enforcement. Maria Nyman, the organization’s secretary general, said the new rules would “normalize coercive measures and detention,” including for children and families, while restricting legal safeguards and creating return hubs outside Europe.

“What is needed instead is an urgent paradigm shift that prioritizes voluntary return, supported by independent counseling and reintegration assistance,” Nyman said, adding that residence permits should be available for those who cannot be returned due to humanitarian reasons or family ties.

Detention is a key area of concern. Under the reform, people subject to a return decision may be detained if there is a risk of absconding, non-cooperation, or security concerns. Detention must be ordered by an administrative or judicial authority, with alternative measures like reporting requirements or residence at a designated place possible.

Caritas argues that the reform will make detention more routine, including for families and vulnerable individuals, and that prolonged detention can cause severe harm and should remain exceptional, not central to migration policy.

Concerns are shared by church and humanitarian organizations, with the UN Human Rights office in Brussels warning the reform raises serious questions about detention, policing powers, third-country arrangements, and procedural guarantees. The UN has emphasized that effective return policies must align with non-refoulement, liberty, family life, and the best interests of the child.

The regulation also allows for transferring individuals to return hubs in non-EU countries that agree to accept them. EU negotiators state unaccompanied minors would be excluded, and involved third countries must respect human rights standards and non-refoulement.

Critics worry such hubs might become offshore deportation centers with limited oversight. Caritas says people, including families with children, could be sent to countries where they have no connection, facing arbitrary detention, legal uncertainty, or abuse.

This debate is part of a broader shift in European migration policy, emphasizing deterrence, faster border procedures, and external partnerships. The European Times has highlighted how Europe’s migration agenda has shifted from internal burden-sharing to externalization and tougher return policies, raising questions about how far the EU can delegate migration control without compromising its legal commitments.

Caritas also opposes provisions potentially allowing more invasive enforcement measures, warning that search powers tied to return procedures could deter undocumented people from seeking help.

There is also concern over weakened legal safeguards. Rights groups fear individuals could be removed while appeals are pending, risking refoulement if courts haven’t examined claims of persecution, torture, or inhuman treatment.

For EU governments under pressure to control migration, returns have become politically significant. However, humanitarian organizations question whether credibility can be built on policies that risk increasing fear and exclusion among those in precarious conditions.

Nyman said the regulation risks further stigmatizing migrants when European societies need cohesion. Caritas urges EU leaders to refocus migration policy on humanity and fundamental rights rather than fear.

The Strasbourg vote won’t resolve the issue. Even if Parliament supports the text, implementation will test whether the EU can balance faster returns with effective safeguards, monitoring, and respect for individual dignity.