The European Parliament voted 396 to 226 to let EU member states deport asylum seekers to 'safe' third countries outside the Union. These countries may be places the migrants only passed through, or ones with no previous link to them. The new rule, set to take effect in June, aims to tighten migration control after the 2015-16 refugee surge. The law identifies Bangladesh, Colombia, Egypt, India, Kosovo, Morocco, and Tunisia as "safe countries." However, reports show migrants have faced mistreatment in some, such as expulsions into remote deserts in Tunisia. Critics say calling these nations ‘safe’ ignores reality. Meron Ameha Knikman from the International Rescue Committee warned, "The new ‘safe third country’ rules are likely to force people to countries they may never have set foot in — places where they have no community, do not speak the language, and face a very real risk of abuse and exploitation." Italian lawmaker Cecilia Strada also condemned the vote, saying, "This parliament has passed resolutions on many of these countries, condemning deteriorations in their rule of law, democracy, and fundamental rights. Today’s vote ignores the reality of the facts." French Green lawmaker Melissa Camara added, "The text on safe countries of origin will place hundreds of thousands of people in situations of great danger. Third countries will be deemed safe despite an extremely worrying human rights situation." This new legislation marks a sharper turn toward strict migration policies in the EU, reflecting rising anti-immigration feelings and the growing influence of far-right parties. It is part of the EU’s broader Pact on Migration and Asylum, which also plans to open deportation centers for rejected asylum seekers.