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Summary
The EU is an area where the freedom of movement must be assured but devising a Common Asylum Policy that fits with this is not easy.
The major gateways into the EU are Italy, Malta, Spain and Greece but for many, particularly those who enter illegally, the UK is their favoured destination.
Most have settled in Spain, UK, France, Italy and Greece.
Definitions:
Refugees become asylum seekers, applying for asylum as soon as they arrive in an EU member state.
Economic migrants want to work, as do asylum seekers.
Illegal immigrants have entered a country without going through customs and immigration, or by failing to leave when refused the right to remain.
The Hague Programme (2004) set the objectives for strengthening freedom, security and justice in the EU 2005–2010.
A variety of policies and agencies are in place:
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To determine which member state has responsibility for examining an asylum application |
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To prevent fraudulent applicants from shopping around |
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To set common standards and procedures for returning illegal immigrants |
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To co-operate over and integrate border security. |
| In the pipeline: | |
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European Asylum Support Office – a new independent EU agency to facilitate co-operation and ensure asylum seekers receive fairer, more consistent and transparent treatment in the EU – possibly in place 2010. |
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Blue Card – a fast-track procedure for issuing special residence and work permits to highly qualified third country workers – directive yet to be adopted. |
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