Following negotiations between the European Parliament, the European Commission and the European Council, the European Parliament has today approved the establishment of a European travel document for the return of failed asylum seekers and those who are no longer entitled to international protection.
MEP Miriam Dalli, who negotiatied this legislation on behalf of the Socialists and Democrats, said that this vote should result in the establishment of a document to facilitate return that can be used both by Member States and be recognised by third countries. This document can be used in cases where a negative asylum decision has been taken and the person must be returned to their country of origin.
“At the moment, less than 40% of return decisions are being enforced. Unfortunately, this low return rate is detrimental to the legitimacy and credibility of the European Migration Policy” said Dr Dalli.
Now, she said, it is up to the Member States to assure the effective use of the returns travel document and to promote the document throughout the EU’s bilateral agreements.
