EU Unveils Tougher Visa, Deportation Plan in Five-Year Migration Strategy

The European Union on Thursday announced plans to overhaul its visa system and strengthen deportations under a new five-year migration strategy, signaling a tougher stance on irregular migration.

Although irregular arrivals across the 27-member bloc fell by more than 25 percent in 2025, according to the EU’s border agency, political pressure to act remains high.

“The priority is clear: bringing illegal arrival numbers down and keeping them down,” said Magnus Brunner, the EU’s commissioner for migration.

A key focus of the strategy is increasing the return of failed asylum-seekers. Brunner said abuses of the system undermine public trust and weaken Europe’s ability to protect those in genuine need while attracting skilled workers.

The European Parliament is currently reviewing a proposal from the European Commission to establish “return hubs” outside EU borders. The plan, criticized by rights groups, also includes tougher penalties for migrants who refuse to leave, such as longer detention periods.

European governments are facing growing public pressure to tighten migration controls amid rising support for right-wing parties across the bloc.

‘Flawed’ Approach

The strategy also calls for more “assertive migration diplomacy” to encourage third countries to prevent migrants from reaching Europe and to accept back their nationals who lack legal status.

In recent years, the EU has signed or negotiated agreements with countries such as Tunisia, Mauritania, Egypt, and Morocco, offering aid and investment in exchange for help managing migration flows.

Amnesty International criticized the policy as “flawed,” warning that it increases Europe’s reliance on third countries and risks making the EU complicit in human rights violations.

The Commission also presented a new visa strategy aimed at using access to EU territory as a diplomatic tool.

“It’s one of the strongest tools in our hands,” a Commission source said.

Under the plan, countries that refuse to readmit their citizens could face visa restrictions, while procedures may be eased for skilled workers.

The European Commission is expected to present detailed reform proposals by the end of the year.