Frontex suspends support for deported migrants due to budget exhaustion

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex, has suspended its support program for deported migrants due to an unexpected exhaustion of this year's budget. Executive Director Hans Leijtens informed staff that costs reached a level that no longer guarantees full financial coverage, leading to a pause in new reintegration assistance applications.

The program, established in 2022, provides financial aid, healthcare, vocational training, and counseling to individuals returned to their countries of origin after being denied EU residency. This support is a component of the EU's broader strategy to increase deportations and manage migration.

While Frontex has requested additional funds from the European Commission, the agency is currently awaiting clarification on the 2027 and 2028 budgets. Frontex spokesperson Kris Borovski noted that while new applications are paused, those already accepted will not be affected, and the agency will continue to provide technical and operational assistance to EU member states.