The European Union will soon implement a new set of rules on irregular migration and asylum seekers. The European Migration and Asylum Pact marks the end of years of negotiation that aimed to revamp the old system. The previous system had failed, leading to increased support for far-right parties across Europe.

All 27 EU member states were expected to be ready by the implementation date, improving laws, training personnel, and expanding border facilities. However, the European Commission admits that no member is fully prepared. Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Migration, called the pact a milestone but stressed it is just the beginning.

Screening and Border Procedures

The new rules entail screening foreigners at EU borders for up to seven days before admission. This unified approach replaces 27 different national procedures, according to Hans Leijtens, the executive director of Frontex, Europe’s border security agency.

Asylum seekers posing a security risk or coming from countries the EU considers safe will undergo a fast-tracked, three-month procedure. Previously, this process took six months. Applicants may remain at the border during case processing and have just one opportunity to appeal a decision.

Many member states need to implement a new biometric system, Eurodac, which records data even for children as young as six. In addition, several countries must enhance border facilities for screenings and detentions. The commission emphasizes the necessity for independent rights monitoring at the borders.

Expedited Returns

A key aspect of the pact is the immediate issuance of return orders when asylum applications are denied. This measure, prioritized by center and far-right politicians, will see failed applicants returned to safe countries like Syria and Bangladesh.

As of March, about 802,000 first-time asylum applications were pending. Member states and EU lawmakers are also discussing the development of ‘return hubs’ in third countries to house rejected asylum seekers who cannot return home.

Sharing Responsibilities

Sharing the burden of asylum seekers has been a divisive issue. Nations on the EU’s front lines, such as Italy and Greece, have faced overwhelming migrant arrivals. These countries sometimes allowed migrants to move on to northern and western Europe without clearance, overburdening systems in countries like Germany and Sweden.

The new pact introduces a solidarity mechanism to prevent border countries from standing alone. EU members will either take in asylum seekers or provide financial compensation; countries can also offset their share if migrants move on after reaching them.

Not all nations agree with the pact. Poland has suspended asylum rights due to migration issues on its border with Belarus. Hungary’s prime minister, Péter Magyar, continues his predecessor Viktor Orbán’s hard-line policies, refusing to accept migrants.

Gradual Implementation

The commission acknowledges that implementing this pact will extend beyond June 12. According to Susan Fratzke from the Migration Policy Institute, immediate changes should not be expected.

Clarity and consistency are needed, says Susanna Zanfrini from the International Rescue Committee in Italy. The current ambiguity leaves both asylum seekers and supporting organizations without the critical information they need.

Human Rights Concerns

Human rights advocates argue that the new rules erode the right to seek asylum through rushed assessments. They believe fast-tracked procedures increase racial profiling and fear a rise in detentions at EU borders.

Judith Sunderland from Human Rights Watch criticizes the pact, arguing that it denies dignity and a fair review of protection claims. Lukas Gehrke of the International Organization For Migration calls for increased funding for integration, not just deportations.

Contributors to this report include Hadjicostis from Cyprus, Brito from Spain, and Claudia Ciobanu from Poland.