Kenyans living in European Union countries without legal immigration status could soon face stricter deportation measures after lawmakers in the European Parliament approved new rules aimed at speeding up the removal of undocumented migrants.
The legislation, approved on Wednesday, June 17, is part of a wider effort by European countries to strengthen immigration enforcement and increase the number of people returned to their countries of origin when they do not have permission to remain in the bloc.
The changes are expected to affect non-EU nationals staying unlawfully in member states, including some Kenyan nationals.Under the proposed framework, migrants who receive a return decision will be required to leave the country either immediately or within a period determined by national authorities.
The rules also place a legal responsibility on affected individuals to cooperate with authorities during the deportation process.
Those who fail to cooperate could face tougher measures. European governments would be allowed to detain undocumented migrants if they are considered likely to evade removal, refuse to cooperate, or are viewed as posing a security risk.
Detention periods could last for as long as 24 months, with extensions possible in certain situations.Dutch lawmaker Malik Azmani, who led the legislation through Parliament, said the reforms were designed to respond to public concerns about immigration enforcement.
“Today, Europe delivered. People rightly expect that those with no right to stay return to their countries of origin,” he said after the vote.
The new rules also grant authorities additional powers to support deportation procedures.
Subject to judicial approval, officials may conduct investigations that include searches of residences and the seizure of documents or electronic devices considered relevant to immigration cases.One of the most notable proposals is the creation of so-called “return hubs.”
These arrangements would allow EU countries to transfer undocumented migrants to third countries that agree to receive them through bilateral agreements, even if those countries are not the migrants’ nations of origin.
The move reflects a broader trend among Western nations to tighten immigration policies and increase deportation efforts. Similar measures have recently been seen in the United States and other countries seeking stronger control over unlawful migration.
The legislation still requires final approval from the Council before becoming law. If approved, some provisions could take effect immediately, while others are expected to be implemented within the next 12 months.
For Kenyans living in Europe without valid immigration documents, the changes could bring increased scrutiny and a higher likelihood of removal under the new system.
