The European Commission has proposed to include India in a list of “safe” countries from where asylum applications would be fast-tracked and likely rejected, drawing concern from human rights advocates.
In a significant move to stem the flow of irregular migration, the European Union has identified India among seven countries deemed “safe” for return, thereby tightening the pathway for asylum seekers originating from these nations. The proposal, which must be ratified by both the European Parliament and member states before taking effect, would enable authorities to accelerate the rejection of asylum claims from these countries.
Besides India, the list features Kosovo, Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia.
Once approved, the new categorisation would allow EU nations to presume that individuals from these states are not generally at risk of persecution, shifting the burden of proof onto applicants to demonstrate credible threats to their safety.
“Many member states are facing a significant backlog of asylum applications, so anything we can do now to support faster asylum decisions is essential,” said Magnus Brunner, the EU’s Commissioner for Migration, defending the measure as pragmatic.
Several member states already maintain their own national lists of countries considered “safe” for return. France, for instance, recognises Mongolia, Serbia, and Cape Verde under such classification. However, under the new framework, countries can only propose additions to the EU-wide list, not removals.
Despite the rationale, the proposal has prompted backlash from human rights organisations, especially in light of data revealing that a substantial number of asylum applications in recent years originated from these very countries.
“Anyone who applies for protection in the EU should have their claim assessed fully and on its own merits — regardless of where they are fleeing from,” said Meron Ameha Knikman of the International Rescue Committee. She added, “This proposal is part of a broader trend towards deterrence and hollowing out refugee rights.”
The European Commission’s own briefing highlighted worrying trends in some of the countries named. It pointed out that Tunisia has reportedly detained political figures, judges, lawyers, and journalists, while in Egypt, activists and members of the opposition may face arbitrary arrest and even torture.
Despite the bloc’s efforts, the efficacy of deportation remains limited. According to official data, fewer than 20 per cent of individuals ordered to leave the EU are successfully returned to their country of origin.
The European Parliament is expected to debate the motion in the coming weeks.
Follow us
