EU proposes partnership for swift return of illegal migrants to their countries

BRUSSELS, March 14 (KUNA) -- The European Commission on Tuesday proposed a strategic framework for European integrated border management for five years which include cooperation with third countries to expedite return of illegal migrants to their homeland.
"An effective EU system for returns is a central part of a well-functioning migration and asylum system," said the EU's executive body in a statement.
"It can also have a deterrent effect on unsafe and irregular migration, helping prevent the exploitation of migrants by breaking the business model of criminal smuggling networks and promoting safe legal pathways," the EC said.
The new proposals comes days after dozens of migrants drowned off the coast of Italy, Libya and Tunisia.
"Cooperation with third countries should be intensified to contribute to building third countries' operational capacities in the areas of border control, risk analysis, return and readmission, and anti-smuggling," according to the EU proposals.
EU Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson said, "Today we present new initiatives to improve our integrated border management system and the mutual recognition of returns decisions." "All EU countries will be guided by the same set of common principles reinforcing cooperation, while safeguarding fundamental rights," she told a press conference.
With the upgraded Schengen Information System which came into force on 7 March, Member States can now have immediate alerts on a return decision for a third country national issued by another Member State.
This allows mutual recognition of return decisions within the EU and the swift execution of returns from anywhere in Europe. Frontex will be ready to support Member States carrying out returns. (end) nk.gb