THE EUROPEAN Parliament has approved contentious new rules for detaining and expelling illegal immigrants, despite criticism from human rights groups and the UN.
MEPs yesterday voted to allow governments to detain illegal immigrants for up to 18 months and impose a re-entry ban of up to five years.
The rules, part of attempts to create a common EU asylum and immigration policy by 2010, will not apply in Ireland because it chose not to opt in to the initiative.
Instead, the issue is being dealt with on a national level through the draft Immigration Bill. Britain and Denmark are also exempt from the agreement – known as the “return directive” – which took almost three years to draft. It will come into force within two years.
Under the new measures, illegal immigrants, when discovered by authorities, will have the opportunity to leave voluntarily within 30 days. If there is a flight risk or they fail to comply, they can be held in custody for up to six months while arrangements are made for deportation.
Member states must provide detained immigrants with basic rights, including access to free legal advice, and unaccompanied children or families with children should be held only as a last resort.