On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, The European Union He announced that Colombia was added to its list of “safe countries.” This decision, although technical, could have important consequences for Colombians
News International.
Morocco, Colombia, Bangladesh, Egypt, India and Tunisia make up the list of ‘safe’ countries for the return of migrants that the European Commission has proposed on Wednesday, according to diplomatic sources. We explain the reason for this decision.
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When a country is considered “safe” by the European Union, it is based on the principle that in This territory there are no serious conflicts, persecutions or systematic violations of human rights. Therefore, it is considered that its citizens are not in serious risks if they are returned to their country of origin.
In simple words: If a Colombian person requests asylum in Europe, his case could be rejected more quickly under the argument that in Colombia there are no sufficient reasons that justify their international protection.
Why was Colombia included in this list?
According to the European Commission, the decision is part of an effort to improve the immigration management of the continent. At this time, several European countries face an overload of asylum applications, many of whom come from people who, according to the authorities, do not meet the requirements to receive international protection.
The European migration commissioner, Magnus Brunner, explained that accelerating asylum decisions is key for the system to work more efficiently.
Colombia, like other candidate countries to enter the European Union or that have stable relations with the block, complies with certain democratic standards, respect for human rights and the rule of law, according to European authorities.
What comes now?
Although the announcement has already been made, this proposal must still be discussed and approved by the Council and The European Parliament. There could arise debates about whether Colombia and other countries in the list really meet all the requirements to be considered “safe”.
What implies this for Colombians who migrate to Europe?
If this measure is approved, Colombians looking for asylum in Europe will have more difficulties in obtaining protection. Applications could be evaluated faster, but also more easily rejected if there are no clear individual danger evidence. In other words, it will be more difficult for many Colombian migrants to argue that they need to stay in European territory for humanitarian reasons.
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