The Riigikogu supports more effective return of third-country nationals illegally staying in the EU

Chairman of the European Union Affairs Committee Peeter Tali pointed out that while Estonia had a very high rate of return of illegally arrived persons, not all EU member states were doing as well with returns, and this could inevitably affect us. “This is a very good initiative because if the European return system becomes stronger, it will be good for European unity and for preserving our way of life,” Tali said.

“Authoritarian regimes are using irregular migration in hybrid war. Hopefully, Europe’s determination and more effective return of illegal migrants will send a clear message and act as a deterrent, helping to reduce their numbers. If Europe’s rules hold, illegal immigrants will also realise that there is no point in taking a gamble and trying to come here illegally.”

It was highlighted at the sitting that according to the initiative, if one country had taken a return decision regarding an illegal immigrant, other Member States would see the notification and would not have to start a new procedure, but can expel the illegal immigrant on the basis of the decision already taken. If the person is not satisfied with the decision, they can challenge it in court when they are themselves located in a third country.

The aim of the common return system is to speed up the return of third-country nationals illegally staying in the EU. Estonia supports enhancing the effectiveness of the system, including the introduction of an obligation to cooperate for persons subject to return, longer detention periods and longer entry bans, and the extension of the criteria for risk of absconding.

Last year, 441,772 return decisions were issued in the European Union, of which only 126,787 could be enforced. Each year, more than 70 per cent of third-country nationals whose illegally stay has been detected remain in Member States for various reasons. Estonia has a very high return rate, last year, 92% of return decisions were enforced.

At today’s sitting of the European Union Affairs Committee, Head of the Border Guard and Migration Policy Department Janek Mägi, Adviser of the Border Guard and Migration Policy Department Ele Russak and Advisor of the Department of European Union and Foreign Relations Katarina Budrik of the Ministry of the Interior gave an overview of the positions of the Government regarding the proposal for a Regulation. The Committee decided to approve the positions by consensus, in line with the opinion of the Constitutional Committee of the Riigikogu.

Riigikogu Press Service
Merilin Kruuse
+372 631 6592; +372 510 6179
merilin.kruuse@riigikogu.ee
Questions: press@riigikogu.ee

Link uudisele: The Riigikogu supports more effective return of third-country nationals illegally staying in the EU

Source: Parliament of Estonia