On 1 June 2026, a provisional political agreement was reached between the European Parliament and Council negotiators on the "Migrant Returns" regulation. This latest agreement confirms many of our concerns as it includes measures that expand detention, restrict freedom of movement, and strengthen enforcement, including through home searches and the seizure of personal belongings, while still lacking adequate protections for those most at risk.
It significantly expands detention powers to up to 24 months (extendable to 30) and introduces restrictive measures like "return hubs." These hubs could transfer asylum seekers to third countries with no personal connection, potentially exposing LGBTQI migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers to persecution in nations where same-sex relations are still criminalised. The agreement fails to provide specific protections for LGBTQI individuals, normalises immigration raids, and authorises the detention of unaccompanied minors.
This provisional agreement still requires formal adoption by both the European Parliament and the Council before it can enter into force.
We urge Members of the European Parliament to reject this proposal in its current form and ensure that any future migration and return policy fully respects human rights, protects children, and guarantees the safety, dignity, and rights of LGBTQI young migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The European Parliament must not allow speed, deterrence, or migration-control objectives to come at the expense of fundamental rights.
Read our full statement here.