200+ Groups Urge EU To Kill 'Deportation Regulation' Expanding Detention, Surveillance And Offshore Return Hubs

More than 200 human-rights, refugee, and civil society organisations urged EU institutions to reject the European Commission’s proposed Return Regulation presented on 11 March 2025, arguing it prioritises deportation and punitive enforcement over protection and social support. They warn the proposal would enable deportations to third countries and offshore ‘return hubs,’ expand surveillance and detection obligations, and markedly increase grounds and duration for detention, including for children and other vulnerable people. The groups say the Regulation would erode appeal rights, broaden data sharing and intrusive digital monitoring, and require widespread cooperation and punitive measures that risk arbitrary application. Signatories call on the Commission to withdraw the proposal and urge the European Parliament and Council to reject it, advocating instead for alternatives focused on protection, inclusion, and rights-based residence solutions.