EU to Implement New Rules on Migration and Asylum
The European Union (EU) is set to introduce a new set of regulations on Friday to manage irregular migration and asylum seekers across its 27 member states. The European Migration and Asylum Pact is the outcome of extensive negotiations aimed at revamping the previous system, which was deemed ineffective and utilized by far-right parties to gain electoral support.
Implementation Challenges
All EU countries were expected to adapt their laws, train staff, and enhance border infrastructure by the implementation date. However, the European Commission acknowledges that no country is fully prepared. European Commissioner for Migration, Magnus Brunner, praised the pact as a significant step forward but emphasized its ongoing nature. Human rights advocates warn it may increase challenges for asylum seekers hoping to gain sanctuary in the EU.
Screening and Border Procedures
Under the new guidelines, migrants will undergo screening at EU borders for up to seven days before entering via a common process. Hans Leijtens, Frontex’s executive director, stated the pact standardizes procedures across the bloc.
Asylum seekers considered security threats or from nations the EU labels as ‘safe’ will face expedited three-month procedures instead of six. Some applicants may be held at borders during case processing, with one chance to appeal a rejection. Additionally, the European Commission requires member states to implement a biometric database for managing information of individuals, including children as young as six.
Expedited Return of Rejected Asylum Seekers
A key pillar is the swift return of rejected asylum seekers through automatic return orders upon application rejection. The political focus of center and far-right leaders includes sending returnees to safe countries like Syria and Bangladesh.
In March, around 802,000 first-time asylum applications were pending within the EU. Member states are also negotiating ‘return hubs’ in third countries for rejected asylum seekers who cannot be repatriated.
Responsibility Sharing Among Member Nations
One of the most divisive issues is how EU countries share asylum responsibility, particularly during crises. Migrants are required to apply for asylum in the first EU country they enter, placing pressure on Mediterranean states like Greece and Italy.
The new pact includes a solidarity mechanism to support border countries, with other member states sharing asylum seekers or providing financial aid. Countries can also offset their part if they experience secondary movements, which is when migrants move from one EU country to another.
Expectations and Human Rights Concerns
The European Commission admits that no country is fully ready, recognizing that full implementation will extend beyond June 12. Susan Fratzke of the Migration Policy Institute emphasized the gradual process.
Human rights groups criticize the pact for potentially undermining asylum rights by speeding up assessments. Faster procedures might lead to racial profiling and increased detentions at EU borders. Judith Sunderland of Human Rights Watch asserts the new rules hinder proper treatment and fair hearings for asylum seekers. Lukas Gehrke from the International Organization for Migration highlights the need for more integration funding for those legally allowed to stay in the EU.