EU lists 7 countries as ‘safe’ to speed up migrant returns

Other countries included in the proposed list are  Kosovo,Colombia, Egypt, India, Morocco, and Tunisia, reports BBC.

These countries are likely to face accelerated processing—with decisions expected within three months—based on the assumption that their claims are likely to be rejected.

Markus Lammert of the European Commission said it would be a "dynamic list" that could be expanded or reviewed, with countries suspended or removed if they were no longer seen as safe.

The proposal follows years of efforts to reform EU asylum rules after the 2015-16 migration crisis.

Currently, fewer than 20% of migrants ordered to leave the EU are actually returned. Under the new plan, fast-tracking would apply to applicants from either designated safe countries or those with asylum approval rates below 20%.

While EU candidate countries are generally deemed safe, exceptions—such as war-torn Ukraine—may apply.

Italy, a key advocate for stricter rules, has faced significant migration pressures since 2015. The government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, welcomed the list, particularly the inclusion of Bangladesh, Egypt, and Tunisia, despite opposition from critics.

However, Italian courts previously blocked attempts to deport migrants from these countries, citing concerns over safety for minorities and certain regions.

The proposal still requires approval from the European Parliament and member states.

Human rights groups, including EuroMed Rights, have criticized the plan, arguing that some listed nations have poor human rights records.

The European Commission insists that individual asylum assessments will remain mandatory under EU law, reports UNB.