EU Parliament Approves ‘Return Hubs’ Regulation, Opening New Era in Belgian and EU Deportation Policy (opens in new tab)

On 17 June 2026 the European Parliament passed the Returns Regulation, allowing EU states – including Belgium – to detain non-co-operating migrants for up to two years and move them to ‘return hubs’ in third countries. Belgian authorities say the law will strengthen deportations and are already drafting national implementing measures, while NGOs warn of human-rights risks. Businesses employing non-EU nationals should prepare for stricter compliance checks and faster removal procedures from 2027.