EU stiffens asylum laws, demands by Kosovars, will be processed more quickly

The EU stiffens asylum laws. Most Eurodeputs voted for the first list of safe countries of origin, which applies to the entire EU. Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia are now considered safe places. The demand for asylum by the citizens of these countries will be processed more quickly. In principle, EU membership candidate countries will also be classified as safe orgy countries. Exceptions are made for countries experiencing war or serious human rights violations. The goal of the regulation is to standardise and cut asylum procedures within the EU.

Shorter asylum procedures

As classifications take effect, there are also conditions for asylum seekers from these countries. So not only are procedures cut short, but at the same time the burden of proof falls more on asylum seekers. Access to the job market is often limited.

39 human rights organisations and groups, including Pro Asyl and SOS Humanity, criticised the new regulation. According to them, it does not bring any relief regarding the expulsion of asylum seekers, for this was possible even before. But it limits the rights of asylum seekers from countries involved in the list, for example regarding access to the job market, which is problematic seen by the prospect of integration policies.

The regulation is part of the EU package for immigration and asylum, which is scheduled to take effect in June 2026. / DW/ Periscopi/