European lawmakers have voted to advance a controversial overhaul of migration rules, pushing the proposal into the next phase of the legislative process after a decisive vote in the European Parliament.With 389 votes in favour, 206 against and 32 abstentions, MEPs agreed to proceed with plans for an updated EU system governing the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the bloc.The plenary vote followed three separate requests by the S&D, Greens/EFA, and The Left groups challenging decisions taken on 9 March 2026 by the Civil Liberties Committee, in line with Rule 72 of Parliament’s rules of procedure.Both Labour MEPs and Partit Nazzjonalista MEPs voted in favour of moving the proposal forward, reflecting support across different political groups despite ongoing controversy surrounding the reform.The proposed changes would introduce stricter penalties for irregular migrants and allow rejected asylum seekers to be transferred to so-called “return hubs” located outside the European Union while awaiting deportation.The plan also includes tougher enforcement measures, such as detention and bans on re-entering the EU for those who refuse to leave.Human rights organisations have strongly criticised the proposal, warning that placing migrants outside EU territory could weaken legal protections.The International Rescue Committee has described the concept as creating potential “legal black holes”, raising concerns about whether fundamental rights can be effectively guaranteed in such facilities.Despite the criticism, the reform has gained political momentum, particularly among centre-right and far-right lawmakers, amid growing pressure across Europe to adopt a firmer stance on migration.Several countries, including Denmark, Austria, Greece, Germany and the Netherlands, are already exploring the possibility of establishing return hubs, while others such as France and Spain have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the approach.The measures come as European governments attempt to improve the bloc’s deportation system, which currently sees only around 20 percent of those ordered to leave actually returned to their countries of origin.Although migrant arrivals fell in 2025, migration remains a highly sensitive political issue and continues to influence electoral dynamics across multiple member states.The vote now opens negotiations between the European Parliament and EU member states on the final version of the legislation. Discussions are expected to focus on the legal framework for return hubs, enforcement powers, and safeguards for migrants’ rights.If ultimately adopted, the reform would mark a significant shift in EU migration policy, prioritising stricter enforcement and faster returns while intensifying debate over human rights and legal accountability.What do you think of this vote passing to the next phase? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lovin Malta (@lovinmalta)•