EU votes to allow deportation of migrants to ‘safe’ third countries

Al JazeeraEN 2 min read 100% complete February 10, 2026 at 07:47 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

In February 2026, the European Parliament approved legislation allowing EU member states to deport asylum seekers to designated "safe" third countries, even if the individuals have no connection to those nations. The measure, backed by center and far-right members, passed with a vote of 396-226. Under the new rules, asylum seekers can be sent to countries they merely transited through or to "safe" third countries with which they have no prior ties, provided those countries are deemed to respect international standards for migrant treatment. The legislation, expected to take effect in June, reflects a hardening of EU migration policy following the influx of refugees and migrants in 2015-16. Rights groups have expressed concern that the policy could lead to the deportation of migrants to countries where they face potential mistreatment and exploitation.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Italy 30% Guardian 30% Meron Ameha Knikman 40% International Rescue Committee 40% United Kingdom 40% Spain 40% European Parliament 70% European Union ×490%

Keywords

migrant deportation 90% safe third country 80% asylum seekers 70% eu migration policy 70% anti-immigration sentiment 60% european parliament 50% international standards 40% rights groups 40%