Members of the European Parliament have failed to reach an agreement on a controversial draft law concerning the return of migrants.

The proposal includes provisions allowing searches of homes to locate migrants who refuse to leave and the establishment of migrant return centers outside the European Union.

Disagreements Delay Approval of the “Return Regulation”

The draft law, known as the “Return Regulation,” was debated for the third time in the European Parliament on Thursday.

However, lawmakers remained divided over when the legislation should take effect, causing the session to end without a final decision and postponing further discussions until June 1.

The proposed legislation includes stricter measures aimed at accelerating the return of undocumented migrants to their countries of origin.

Proposed Measures Spark Criticism

Among the measures outlined in the draft law are the creation of deportation centers outside the European Union, the possibility of long-term detention, and bans on re-entry into EU countries.

The proposal also permits authorities to search residences or locations where undocumented migrants may be staying.

These provisions have drawn criticism from NGOs and civil society groups, which compared the measures to the aggressive enforcement tactics used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Pressure for Fast Approval Amid Ongoing Disputes

The European Parliament is seeking swift approval of the draft law so it can enter into force as soon as possible.

However, EU member states are pushing for a gradual implementation period, with most provisions expected to be applied within two years.

Some governments have also stated that they need additional time to adapt their legal and administrative systems to the proposed changes.

According to EU diplomats speaking to Euronews, the remaining disputed issues have been temporarily resolved.