UPI: EU Parliament votes for new legislation that would speed migrant relocation

The European Union Parliament Thursday voted 419-126 to enter negotiations with member states on new migration and asylum policies that would require screening of third-party nationals at EU borders.

The vote signals support for the proposed new regulations that would speed up the relocation of migrants entering EU nations without legal permission. The new rules would also make it harder for those migrants to travel to other EU countries.

"An effective return policy is an essential element of a well-functioning system of Union asylum and migration management, whereby those who do not have the right to stay on Union territory should return," the EU proposed migrant legislation said.

"Given that a significant share of applications for international protection may be considered unfounded, it is necessary to reinforce the effectiveness of the return policy."

The proposed new legislation said by increasing "the efficiency of returns" of migrants without legal authorization to be in the EU, the pressure on the asylum system would decrease.

The proposed migrant law reform would create an EU Relocation Coordinator as the central point of contact for migrant returns. That coordinator would play a central role in speeding up migrant relocation.

The proposed legislation creates a five-year European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy that includes measures to reduce and prevent "irregular migration" and efforts to fight human trafficking.

Source: UPI