European Union nations approved yesterday tough new rules on expelling visa-overstayers, which could see them banned for five years if they resist, the EU's Slovenian presidency announced.

The agreement was sealed by the 27 EU interior ministers at a meeting in Luxembourg, the presidency said, and is expected to be passed by the European Parliament at its session in Strasbourg between June 16 and 19.

The new measures will oblige authorities in EU nations to choose between issuing residency or other permits to illegal immigrants from outside the bloc or returning them to their countries of origin.