A new migration and asylum package has entered into force in the European Union.
Modern.az reminds that the new rules make it even more difficult to obtain refugee status and facilitate the sending of persons who cannot obtain asylum to “safe third countries”. At the same time, a number of European states are trying to prevent the migration flow by further tightening their national legislation.
Observers note three main trends in the latest changes: simplification of deportation procedures, keeping migrants outside the country, and reducing the attractiveness of European countries for migrants.
In Sweden, under the new law, migrants can lose their residence permit due to “bad behavior”. The government includes non-payment of taxes and debts, illegal activities, social assistance fraud, and connections with extremist groups in this concept. At the same time, a law has been adopted that requires state institutions to report illegal migrants.
Italy has simplified deportation procedures and increased the detention period for persons who cannot obtain asylum. The Rome government also continues the project of migrant centers established in Albania. This model was later supported by the European Union and evaluated as an example for other countries.
France and Great Britain have expanded cooperation to prevent illegal crossings over the English Channel. The parties are implementing new mechanisms for the return of migrants and strengthening border control.
In Great Britain, the government has prepared a new bill that provides for the acceleration of deportations. According to the project, persons who receive asylum may have to repay a part of the expenses incurred by the state for their maintenance in the future.
In Germany, control over the entry of persons without documents into the country has been strengthened. Also, the bringing of family members into the country by thousands of migrants who received limited protection status has been restricted for a period of two years.
According to the new system adopted in the Netherlands, persons who receive asylum will be divided into different categories. For some categories, family reunification opportunities are limited, and the duration of residence permits is shortened.
Human rights organizations state that these steps may negatively affect human rights. European governments, on the other hand, emphasize that the tightened policy aims to reduce illegal migration and strengthen border security.
