Europe is planning drastic changes: detention pending deportation for up to 24 months!

Europe is planning drastic changes: detention pending deportation for up to 24 months!

On April 16, 2025, the European Commission presented a new draft for a return directive that is closely based on the German return policy. This initiative aims to speed up the deportation of rejected asylum seekers and create a uniform solution for all EU member states. The draft could mean that detention pending deportation will be extended from the current maximum of 12 months to up to 24 months, which has already met with considerable criticism.

Scientist of the University of Göttingen have published a fact check on this topic, which shows that the existing return policies are classified as inefficient. Prof. Dr. Sabine Hess, who leads the project, argues that long-term residency rights for migrants would be far more effective. She emphasizes that such rights could not only reduce stress, but also reduce resource expenditure in authorities.

Prehistory and political developments

The discussion about a new return directive is not new. Last year, returns were not addressed in the Asylum and Migration Package (CEAS) due to a failure to reach consensus among member states. With the new majority, the Commission is now trying to make another push. The planned regulation is intended to ensure that rejected asylum seekers from one EU state are recognized in others, which makes deportations easier. An example of this is if a rejected asylum seeker from Austria travels to Germany - in this case Germany would take over the repatriation and receive financial compensation from Austria.

In practice, however, this could also lead to a significant increase in the detention of refugees, as up to 24 months in prison can be ordered. In 2024, over 40,000 people in Germany were already registered as having to leave the country. In the same year, the number of deportations rose by 22% compared to the previous year, while the number of asylum applications fell by a third.

Criticism and concerns

Critics fear that expanding immigration detention could lead to a humanitarian crisis. Plans to set up “return hubs” in third countries are also being discussed. These return centers could serve to deter migrants from entering the EU. Countries such as Hungary and Italy have already called for return centers in third countries, but many experts are skeptical about the practical feasibility of these models.

The so-called Albania model, which could allow foreigners to seek asylum in third countries, is also cited as an example. However, according to the new regulation, only rejected asylum seekers are allowed to be brought to these return centers. There is also the challenge that some countries of origin are considered unsafe, which makes deportation problematic.

For more detailed information and further research results refer to University of Göttingen to their website. Given the far-reaching changes in the EU Return Directive, it remains to be seen how the plans can actually be implemented and what impact they will have on the people affected.