Faith Nyasuguta
The European Commission has listed Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco, countries often criticized for their human rights records, among seven nations it considers “safe” for returning failed asylum seekers. The designation, announced on Wednesday, allows EU member states to accelerate the deportation process for nationals from these countries, citing a low likelihood of their asylum claims being approved.
Alongside the three North African nations, the Commission’s updated list also includes Bangladesh, Colombia, India, and Kosovo. The measure is part of an amendment to the Asylum Procedures Regulation and aligns with the EU’s broader migration pact, adopted in 2023 and expected to come into force by 2026. However, the proposal still requires final approval from the European Parliament and member states before implementation.
The Commission said in a statement that “the countries listed are generally considered safe, based on an assessment of the political and legal situation.” It argues that asylum applicants from these countries rarely qualify for refugee status, justifying the fast-tracking of decisions and potential deportations.
The move has sparked a sharp backlash from human rights organizations, who argue that the “safe country” label undermines fair and individualized asylum assessments. Critics say it risks exposing vulnerable individuals to persecution upon return, particularly those facing political oppression or discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, or profession.
“The concept of safe countries may lead to discrimination among refugees based on nationality and detract from an individualized assessment,” warned Hussein Baoumi, a foreign policy expert at Amnesty International in Brussels. “The EU must ensure that groups at specific risk in each country, such as political opponents, LGBTI individuals, journalists, and human rights defenders, are protected,” he added.
Migration continues to be a politically charged issue within the European Union, even as irregular migrant arrivals fell by 38% last year, reaching the lowest levels since 2021. Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco remain major departure points for migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea, often under dangerous conditions that have led to countless deaths and disappearances.
In March, the Commission introduced separate rules aimed at speeding up the return of migrants, which also drew criticism from rights advocates. They argue that, taken together, these policies could pave the way for increased violations of international human rights obligations and erode the rights of asylum seekers within EU borders.
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