COVID-19: Guidance on the implementation of relevant EU provisions in the area of asylum and return procedures and on resettlement

Summary:

Communication published by the European Commission on 16 April 2020 relating to the implementation of relevant EU rules on asylum and return procedures and on resettlement in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.

Further information:

The Guidance illustrates how to ensure continuity of procedures as much as possible while fully ensuring the protection of people’s health and fundamental rights in line with the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. At the same time, it recalls the fundamental principles that must continue to apply, so that access to the asylum procedure continues to the greatest extent possible during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Document also provides practical advice and identifies tools, including by pointing to emerging best practices in Member States on how to pursue the asylum and return procedures and continue with resettlement-related activities under the current circumstances, given that current legislation does not foresee the specific consequences resulting from a pandemic situation.

It was prepared with the support of the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex), and in cooperation with national authorities

• Primary Source

• Alternative Source

Official

European Commission: Press Release, 16/04/2020: Coronavirus: Commission presents guidance on implementing EU rules on asylum and return procedures and on resettlement https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_20_666

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