The European Union has designated seven countries, including Bangladesh, as "safe countries of origin" to expedite asylum processing for applicants from these nations.
Other countries included in the proposed list are Kosovo,Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia, reports BBC.
The EU has proposed a new "safe countries" list—naming Bangladesh, Egypt, Tunisia, and others—to fast-track migrant return decisions within three months, based on the assumption that most claims from these countries will be rejected. The list, described by the European Commission as "dynamic," can be reviewed, expanded, or suspended depending on changing conditions.
This move is part of long-standing efforts to overhaul EU asylum rules following the 2015–16 migration crisis. Currently, fewer than 20 percent of rejected migrants are actually returned. Under the new framework, accelerated processing will apply to asylum seekers from designated safe countries or those with historically low approval rates (under 20 percent).
While EU candidate countries are generally considered safe, exceptions—like Ukraine due to ongoing conflict—may apply.
Italy, under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has backed the proposal, especially the inclusion of Bangladesh, Egypt, and Tunisia. However, Italian courts have previously halted deportations to these nations, citing safety concerns for minorities.
The proposal must still be approved by the European Parliament and member states. Human rights organizations, including EuroMed Rights, have criticized the list, arguing that some listed countries have poor rights records. The commission maintains that all asylum seekers will still receive individual assessments under EU law.
Source: Agencies
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