As the refugee crisis continues to affect Europe, the European Union (EU) has implemented various policies and agreements to manage the influx of migrants. One such policy is the EU Readmission Agreements.
What are EU Readmission Agreements?
EU Readmission Agreements are a series of bilateral agreements between the EU and third countries that aim to set out the legal framework for returning irregular migrants to their country of origin. They enable the EU to return migrants who are not eligible for asylum or protection to their home countries.
The agreements cover several aspects, including the procedures for identifying and verifying the individuals, the documents required for their return, and the treatment of vulnerable migrants such as unaccompanied minors.
Which countries have signed EU Readmission Agreements?
The EU has signed Readmission Agreements with several third countries, including Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cabo Verde, China, Egypt, Georgia, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Macao, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Pakistan, Russia, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.
These agreements have been crucial in combating irregular migration and ensuring that the EU`s external borders are protected. They also facilitate the return of migrants to their respective countries of origin, reducing the burden on EU member states.
However, the implementation of these agreements has not been without controversy. Critics argue that the Readmission Agreements violate the human rights of migrants and fail to offer them proper protection. There have also been concerns about the treatment of migrants upon their return to their countries of origin.
The EU has taken steps to address these concerns by ensuring that the agreements adhere to international human rights standards and by monitoring the implementation of the agreements.
In conclusion, EU Readmission Agreements are a vital part of the EU`s overall approach to managing the influx of migrants. While they have faced criticism, their implementation is necessary to ensure that the EU`s external borders are secure and that irregular migration is effectively addressed.