The European Parliament has approved plans for controversial deportation centres for rejected asylum seekers outside the European Union, along with stricter asylum rules.
In a vote on Wednesday, 418 EU lawmakers voted in favour of the reform, 218 voted against and 30 abstained.
The vote was met with cheers and whistles. Lawmakers from the right applauded and chanted "send them back," prompting responses of "shame on you" from opposing members.
The new rules, aimed at increasing deportations from the EU, still have to be formally approved by EU member countries.
The reform would pave the way for deportation centres outside the EU for migrants ordered to leave the EU but unable to return to their home countries.
Unaccompanied minors would not be deported to such centres. However, the possibility would remain for families with children and teenagers.
It is unclear which countries would be willing to host such centres on their territory. According to German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, agreements are expected to be reached later this year.
The new rules are to introduce more obligations for rejected asylum seekers to cooperate with authorities, as well as penalties, and the possibility of detaining migrants for up to two years pending deportation.
