European Economic Area

Every year thousands of unaccompanied or separated children enter the EU, creating challenges for European States to ensure that the children are given appropriate care and protection and have their rights respected in line with all international obligations...

This study – conducted by UNICEF The Netherlands – explores the Dutch approach, policies, and practices relating to children who do not have a legal right to remain in the Netherlands. The research involved a review of relevant Dutch laws and regulations, and...

This Report is focused on the specific issue of the lack of a formal Best Interests Determination procedure for separated children and the practice of return of separated children to return houses in countries of origin. Wider issues regarding return in...

This brochure can help parents to prepare children in the best possible way in view of the return towards the country of origin. The first part discusses the emotions of children in view of return. The second part will provide tips in view of the preparations...

Unlawfully entering or illegally staying aliens are issued a return decision, which sets a period for voluntary departure during which an alien must depart on his own. A decision on expulsion is issues to aliens who fail to leave within the prescribed period...

The aim of this study is to review the AVR programmes carried out in Lithuania in 2004-2009, to assess the need for such programmes, as well as to provide an overview of the migrants' motives and emerging obstacles to the use of the AVR programmes. This study...

Frente à crise iniciada em 2008, a migração de retorno passou a compor, em todo o mundo, a cena dos trajetos migratórios do segundo decênio do Século XXI. No caso brasileiro, este movimento toma especial importância, pois a situação econômica do país, naquele...

A crise econômica internacional desencadeada em 2008 produziu enormes efeitos sobre as migrações mundiais. Alguns estudos têm sido dedicados a esta temática. O objetivo deste artigo é refletir e discutir sobre a existência de um possível fluxo de retorno dos...

Following the advice of the Return Expert Group (REG) and the discussion within the Working Party on Integration, Migration and Expulsion of 14 April 2016, Member States agreed on the principle of alignment of existing AVR(R) programmes within the EU...

Return migration has in recent decades emerged as a critical element of many governments' migration policy - an integral part of effective migration management, alongside strong border management and timely and fair asylum processes. It is seen by many as the...

This article draws on data from a recent research project conducted among asylum-seekers living in 14 of Ireland’s Direct Provision accommodation centres. This research was commissioned by the International Organization for Migration mission to Ireland (IOM...

This article explores how asylum-seekers currently registered in Ireland’s ‘direct provision’ system feel about the prospect of assisted voluntary return to their country of origin. One of the article’s recommendations is that organizations active in the field...

The second EMN Focussed Study 2012 reflects on challenges in establishing the identity of (rejected) applicants for international protection in Austria, both in the asylum procedure and the procedure to implement forced return.

This compilation summarises the most relevant EU acquis documents relating to migration. It provides an overview of the relevant legislation and policy developments. The EU acquis concerning the short-term entry and admission and departure of third-country...

Assisted voluntary return (AVR) is a new approach to return of irregular immigrants aiming at combating unlawful migration, and thus strengthening national immigration systems. AVR lowers risks of the violation of human rights and preserves migrants’ dignity...

Many European governments increasingly seek to return migrant children to their countries of origin or transit, but this is often not undertaken in full accordance with international obligations on children’s rights, nor with respect for children’s best...

The “ IOM-EU Cooperation on Migration and Mobility: Addressing the Valletta Summit Priorities Together” report captures the main features and tangible results of the IOM-EU global partnership from 2015 to 2016 with a focus on the joint efforts in implementing...

IOM increasingly assists families with minor children on their return to their countries of origin. As an effort to recognize the right of children to be informed about the return procedure and the role that IOM plays, IOM in the Netherlands has developed a...

This study focuses on Austria’s policies and practices regarding unaccompanied minors following the determination of their residence status. It explores support and integration measures for unaccompanied minors once their residence status has been established...