EU Designates Seven ‘Safe’ Countries to Accelerate Migrant Returns Amid Controversy

The European Union has identified seven countries—Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia—as “safe countries” to expedite the return process for migrants, Khaama Press reported. Announced on April 16 by the European Commission, this move aims to speed up asylum application reviews for migrants from these nations, increasing the likelihood of rejection and reducing pending cases.

EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner highlighted the pressure on member states due to a surge in asylum applications, underscoring the need for faster processing. Some countries, including Italy, have welcomed the decision as a positive step in managing migration.

However, human rights organizations have criticized the designation, warning that several listed countries have ongoing human rights abuses and restrictions on freedoms, potentially endangering returning migrants. The policy requires approval from the European Parliament and individual EU states before implementation.

The EU faces the challenge of balancing efficient migration management with safeguarding human rights, as this decision may influence future asylum policies across Europe.