nl flag go to the original language article
This article has been translated by Artificial Intelligence (AI). The news agency is not responsible for the content of the translated article. The original was published by ANP.

EU ministers agree on stricter return rules for asylum seekers

by AI | 11.Dec 2025 | Europe in brief AI

The EU Ministers of Asylum and Migration agreed on Monday to new, stricter return rules for asylum seekers who are not allowed to stay in the EU.

EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner. Photo: APA/Roland Schlager

BRUSSELS – One of the components of the agreement is that EU member states are allowed to establish ‘return hubs’ in third countries for rejected asylum seekers. The Netherlands wants to set up such a center in Uganda and has been in talks with the African country about this for a few months.

EU member states can also make mutual arrangements to take over each other’s return decisions, as was decided Monday in Brussels. The return decision of one EU country then immediately applies to the other EU country. The return procedure does not need to be carried out again. Mutual recognition is voluntary for the time being, not mandatory.

The new rules are intended to speed up and simplify the return of rejected asylum seekers.

Rejected asylum seekers who pose a security risk can be detained by member states. They can also be given an entry ban for many years or for an indefinite period.

Asylum seekers who do not cooperate with their return can be punished by member states. This can range from refusing or withholding benefits, refusing or withdrawing work permits, and imposing fines.

Danish minister Rasmus Stoklund (Immigration and Integration) assumes that with the new rules more irregular migrants will actually leave the EU. Currently, three out of four rejected asylum seekers remain in the EU.

The agreement reached on Monday forms the basis for the asylum ministers’ negotiations with the European Parliament.

(8 December 2025)