(Strasbourg) According to the new return policy that has been approved by the European Parliament today, migrants who receive a return decision, except unaccompanied children, can be transferred to one of the so-called “return hubs” in a third country that accepts to take them in, under an agreement with a EU member state. “These agreements – a release points out – may only be concluded with third countries that uphold human rights, international law and the principle of non-refoulement”, at least on paper. Rapporteur Malik Azmani (Dutch MEP) said: “Today Europe delivered. People rightly expect that those with no right to stay return to their countries of origin. That’s why I have one clear priority: effective, realistic return measures. And after almost 20 years of standstill, Europe finally has them. Return is the final piece in Europe’s migration system, and I’m hugely proud it’s now in place”. Following Parliament’s approval, the text needs to be formally adopted by Council and published in the Official Journal before it can enter into force. Some provisions, including on return hubs, the age assessment of minors and the external dimension of returns, will apply immediately. Other provisions that require preparatory steps will enter into application 12 months after the legislation’s entry into force.