European Commission proposes to relax rules on expulsion of asylum seekers, raising concerns among migrant rights NGOs

<p>The proposal to relax the rules on the expulsion of asylum seekers includes scrapping the requirement to have a link to the country to which they are returned. The measure, demanded by member states, is being opposed by NGOs, which warn it will lead to blackmail from countries that receive these applicants. Critics target the effectiveness of the proposal, suggesting that rapid expulsions without links will increase the number of those returning to Europe. The commission says the aim is to speed up asylum processing and respect fundamental rights. The proposal needs the approval of the European Parliament and member states.