EU approves migrant deportations to ‘safe’ third countries

The European Parliament has approved new legislation allowing migrants to be deported to designated 'safe' third countries outside the EU. Amnesty International has condemned the move, calling it a 'very dark day' for human rights in Europe. Under the law, expected to take effect in June, asylum seekers can be sent to non-EU countries they previously passed through, even if they have no meaningful connection, provided those governments agree to receive them. Countries under consideration include Georgia, Kosovo, India, Egypt, Colombia and Bangladesh. Several EU countries are already pursuing similar arrangements to process asylum seekers outside their borders. Italy has signed a deal with Albania to host migrant processing centres, while the Netherlands has reached an agreement with Uganda to take in and process asylum seekers. As far-right parties gain ground across Europe, migration policies are tightening, but will outsourcing asylum processing actually deter arrivals and what could it mean for migrants’ rights and safety? Joining Enda Brady for this discussion: Gunnar Beck Lawyer and Former Member of the European Parliament Arjen Leerkes Professor of Migration, Securitization and Social Cohesion at Erasmus University Rotterdam Helena Hahn European Migration and Diversity Policy Analyst at the European Policy Centre Vincent Chetail Professor of International Law and Director of the Global Migration Centre at the Geneva Graduate Institute #eu #asylum #immigration #refugees Roundtable is a discussion programme with an edge. Broadcast out of London and presented by Enda Brady, it's about bringing people to the table, listening to every opinion, and analysing every point of view. From fierce debate to reflective thinking, Roundtable discussions offer a different perspective on the issues that matter to you. Watch it every weekday at 15:00 GMT on TRT World.