The European Commission designated several countries, including Egypt and Tunisia, both under scrutiny for human rights concerns, as “safe countries” for the return of failed migrants.
- The European Commission has designated Egypt and Tunisia as ‘safe countries’ for return of failed asylum seekers.
- Human rights organizations have criticized this move for enabling fast-track asylum applications from nationals of these countries.
- Despite a decline in irregular migrant arrivals, immigration remains a politically charged topic across the EU.
The European Commission on Wednesday designated several countries, including Egypt and Tunisia, both under scrutiny for human rights concerns, as “safe countries” for the return of failed asylum seekers.
In a move criticized by human rights organizations, the updated list enables EU member states to fast-track asylum applications from nationals of these countries because their claims are unlikely to succeed, Reuters reported.
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“This designation allows for accelerated procedures in processing asylum requests,” the Commission said in a statement, emphasizing that the countries on the list are considered generally safe for return.
Migration politics heat up
Despite a 38% decline in irregular migrant arrivals to the EU last year, reaching the lowest levels since 2021, immigration remains a politically charged topic across the bloc’s 27 member states.
The European Commission’s updated list of “safe countries of origin” includes Bangladesh, Colombia, India, Kosovo, Morocco, Egypt, and Tunisia.
Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt have all seen large numbers of irregular migrants leave their shores to cross the Mediterranean in recent years.
Critics warn the approach risks undermining fair asylum procedures. “The concept of safe countries may lead to discrimination among refugees based on their nationality and detract from an individualized assessment,” said Hussein Baoumi, a foreign policy expert at Amnesty International in Brussels.
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“The EU must ensure that groups at specific risk in each country, for example political opponents, LGBTI individuals, journalists and human rights defenders are clarified, while also enhancing engagement with listed countries to address human rights concerns,” he added.
The proposal forms part of an amendment to the Asylum Procedures Regulation, under the EU’s broader migration pact adopted in 2023 and set to be enforced by 2026. It must still be approved by the European Parliament and EU member governments.
In March, the Commission also introduced new migrant return rules, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups who fear they could open the door to human rights violations.
