The revised rules, based on the Commission proposal presented in March 2025, aim to simplify and speed up procedures, with full respect for fundamental rights and international law, while preventing abuses and unauthorised movements within the EU.

Under the deal, a return decision issued to a non-EU national staying illegally in a member state by the competent national authorities will come with the obligation to leave the relevant EU country immediately or within a given time.

Obligation to cooperate and detention

Non-EU nationals subject to a return decision will be required to cooperate with the authorities. For the purpose of preparing their return, third country nationals may be detained, based on an individual assessment, for example if they are not cooperating, present a risk of absconding or pose a security risk. Detention will have to be ordered by an administrative or judicial authority. The period of detention would be up to 24 months in a member state, with a six-month…