EU Migration and Asylum Pact faces NGO criticism as labour shortages grow

Non‑governmental organisations warn that the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, set to take full effect on 12 June 2024, does not overhaul the Dublin system and introduces a controversial “return sponsorship” mechanism allowing states to outsource deportations. They also criticize mandatory fast‑track border procedures that they say undermine legal safeguards and threaten fundamental human rights.

At the same time, EU economies are confronting acute labour shortages in healthcare, construction, agriculture, transport and technology as the population ages. Migrants have supplied over half of net job growth since 2019 and contribute billions to pension and welfare systems. Nicolas Schmit of FEPS warned, “If Europe goes for zero migration, we will end up in a dead continent.” The Pact’s tougher screenings and deportations contrast with behind‑the‑scenes efforts to expand targeted labour migration, creating a dual‑track approach.