Kenyans residing unlawfully in European Union states may face stricter deportation procedures after the European Parliament passed sweeping reforms intended to speed up the removal of undocumented migrants across the bloc.
The legislation, approved on Wednesday, June 17, sets tougher return procedures for non-EU nationals staying illegally in member states and is expected to greatly reinforce immigration enforcement across Europe.
Under the new rules, any third-country national served with a return decision must leave the relevant EU country immediately or within a timeframe determined by national authorities.
The law also legally requires affected migrants to cooperate with authorities during the deportation process, with those considered uncooperative subject to stronger enforcement action.
“Europe has acted today. People rightly expect those with no right to remain to return to their countries of origin,” said Dutch lawmaker Malik Azmani, the rapporteur behind the legislation.
European countries will be permitted to detain undocumented migrants who overstay or are considered a security threat.
Detention could last up to 24 months, with further extensions possible in certain circumstances, including better cooperation between EU countries and migrants’ countries of origin.
The legislation also gives authorities powers to carry out investigative measures to support deportations, including searches of homes and the seizure of relevant documents and electronic devices, subject to judicial approval.
One of the most notable changes is the creation of “return hubs”, which would allow EU countries to transfer undocumented migrants to third countries willing to receive them under bilateral agreements.
The move comes amid a global shift toward stricter immigration enforcement, with several Western nations tightening border controls and speeding up deportations for people found living unlawfully in their territories.
For Kenyans, the development could affect those living in Europe without valid immigration status, especially as member states seek to increase the number of removals under the new framework.
The changes reflect recent immigration crackdowns in the United States, where authorities have pursued undocumented migrants, including some Kenyan nationals accused of breaching immigration laws.
The law now awaits final approval by the Council before taking effect, with some provisions expected to be implemented immediately and others within 12 months.