France, March 26 -- The measures, which have been 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.

The European Parliament approved the package with support from centre-right and far-right groups in a 389 to 206 vote in Brussels - bringing it a step closer to final approval.

"The decisive changes introduced by this regulation will make it possible to simply guarantee this straightforward principle: if you come to Europe illegally, rest assured that you will not stay here," said centre-right French parliamentarian Francois-Xavier Bellamy.

The reform would notably allow for the opening of centres or "return hubs" outside the...