00:00A major overhaul of the European Union's asylum system comes into force today,
00:05bringing in tougher rules on migration and border controls across the bloc.
00:10The reforms are aimed at speeding up asylum decisions,
00:14streamlining procedures between member states
00:16and reducing movement of asylum seekers within the EU.
00:21Under the new system, applicants deemed unlikely to qualify for protection
00:26could face fast-track processing and removal within 12 weeks of arrival.
00:31The changes also include a new solidarity mechanism
00:35aimed at sharing responsibility more evenly across the EU,
00:39after Greece, Italy and Spain have shouldered much of the pressure from arrivals in recent years.
00:45However, countries will be able to opt out of taking in migrants
00:49by making financial contributions instead.
00:51The reforms come as the EU move to tighten its overall migration policy,
00:57including plans to create return hubs in third countries for rejected asylum seekers.
01:03Right groups have criticised the changes,
01:05warning they could weaken protection for asylum seekers and restrict fundamental rights.
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