European travel document for illegally staying migrants

In 2014, EU Member States issued almost half a million return decisions to migrants who have no right to enter or stay on the EU territory. However, only 40% of irregularly staying migrants were actually returned to a non-EU country. Lack of valid travel documents for returnees is one of the main obstacles for a successful return.

In December 2015, the European Commission put forward a proposal on a European travel document for illegally staying migrants. First-reading negotiations with the Council of the European Union have delivered a compromise which awaits a vote in plenary of the European Parliament in September 2016.

Author: Anja Radjenovic

ESO: Information Guide: European Migration Challenges http://www.europeansources.info/record/information-guide-european-migration-challenges/

ESO: Background information: European travel document: MEPs and ministers strike informal deal http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-travel-document-meps-and-ministers-strike-informal-deal/

ESO: Background information: Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on a European travel document for the return of illegally staying third-country nationals http://www.europeansources.info/record/proposal-for-a-regulation-of-the-european-parliament-and-of-the-council-on-a-european-travel-document-for-the-return-of-illegally-staying-third-country-nationals/

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