The EU co-operates very actively with the countries of return of irregular migrants, in particular through readmission agreements.
These set out clear obligations and procedures for the authorities of the non-EU country and of EU Member States as to when and how to readmit people who are irregularly residing.
They aim at improving cooperation between administrations and, can only be used after a return decision has been made in accordance with the procedural guarantees set by the Return Directive and the relevant EU asylum rules (Asylum Procedures Directive).
So far, the EU has concluded readmission agreements with the following countries:
Hong Kong:
Agreement between the European Community and the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Macao:
Agreement between the European Community and the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Sri Lanka
Agreement between the European Community and the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Albania
Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Albania on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Russia
Agreement between the European Community and the Russian Federation on readmission
Ukraine
Agreement between the European Community and Ukraine on the readmission of persons
North Macedonia
Agreement between the European Community and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Agreement between the European Community and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Montenegro
Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Montenegro on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Serbia
Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Serbia on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Moldova
Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Moldova on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Pakistan
Agreement between the European Community and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Georgia
Agreement between the European Community and the Democratic Republic of Georgia on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Armenia
Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Armenia on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Azerbaijan
Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Turkey
Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Turkey on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Cape Verde
Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
Belarus
Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Belarus on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation
In Addition to these agreements, legally non-binding readmission arrangements have also been concluded with:
- Afghanistan
- Guinea
- Bangladesh
- Ethiopia
- The Gambia
- Ivory Coast
Documents
- EU strategy on voluntary return and reintegration
- Commission staff working document: EU framework on return counselling and the Reintegration Assistance Tool
- Common EU rules on return (Return Directive)
- Communication on Enhancing cooperation on return and readmission as part of a fair, effective and comprehensive EU migration policy
- Communication on EU Return Policy COM 2014(199)
- Asylum Procedures Directive
Related links
Source: EU Commission: Link