(Strasbourg) Today with a wide majority the European Parliament approved the new return policy for third-country citizens staying illegally in the EU. Approved with 418 votes for, 218 votes against and 30 abstentions, the policy aims at speeding up return procedures “with full respect for fundamental rights and international law, including the principle of non-refoulement and the prohibition of collective expulsions, while preventing abuses and unauthorised movements within the EU”, it states. A definition that, according to many experts, jurists, NGOs and religious organisations, does not match reality. Under the legislation, a return decision issued to a non-EU national staying illegally in a member state by the competent national authorities will come with an obligation to leave the relevant EU country immediately or within a given time. The harshest and most widely disputed rules include the fact that foreign citizens who receive a return decision 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, and may last up to 24 months. National authorities may carry out specific investigative actions to prepare or ensure an effective return, including searches of third-country nationals, residences or other relevant premises, subject to judicial or administrative authorisation, as well as the search and seizure of personal belongings and electronic devices.