Stricter immigration rules

The European Parliament has approved new rules which could see illegal immigrants detained for up to 18 months or banned for five years from re-entering the European Union.



The measures, which have already been approved by member governments, are part of an attempt to forge a common immigration policy across the EU.



However, opponents of the rules say they are an infringement of human rights.



Under the new policy, illegal immigrants will be given 30 days to leave the EU voluntarily.



However, they can be detained for six months, followed by a further twelve months, if the authorities believe they may abscond.