European lawmakers approved stricter penalties for irregular migrants, clearing the way for potential deportation to 'return hubs' outside the EU. Human rights groups criticized the measures as part of a tightening of immigration rules.

European lawmakers cleared the way Thursday for tougher penalties for irregular migrants and their potential deportation to so-called "return hubs" outside the bloc. The measures, criticised by human rights groups, are part of a tightening of Europe's immigration rules in response to pressure across the 27-nation bloc to curb migration. FRANCE 24's Dave Keating reports.