Missing the boat: Europes asylum and immigration crisis JEFF CRISP 4 November 2013 While there are no quick and easy answers to Europe’s asylum and migration dilemma, there are some constructive steps that could be taken. Just four or five years ago, the countries of the European Union (EU) felt that they were beginning to assert some control over the unwanted arrival of refugees and asylum seekers from other parts of the world. Having peaked at 670,000 in 1992, the number of asylum applications submitted in the EU fell rapidly in successive years, slumping to just 200,000 in 2006. During the same period, the number of unsuccessful asylum seekers and other irregular migrants being sent back to their country of origin increased. The UK, for example, deported over 40,000 people in 2011, a 46 per cent increase on the 2004 figure. First, the region should keep its borders open, ensuring that people from refugee-producing countries such as Syria, Eritrea and Somalia have access to the territory of the EU, as well as to fair and thorough asylum procedures. Asylum seekers who arrive without the necessary identity and travel documents should not be penalized. Second, Europe should provide generous humanitarian and development support to those countries which are bearing the brunt of the Syrian refugee crisis, thereby alleviating the pressure on such states and making it possible for refugees to remain there, rather than undertaking highly risky journeys to more distant destinations. Third, an effort should be made to provide asylum seekers with safe and legal ways of entering the EU and enabling them to remain there for as long as they are in need of protection. This could include the establishment of humanitarian admission and refugee resettlement programs, simplified visa and family reunion procedures, as well as the provision of labour migration opportunities. Fourth, concerted action is required to prevent the exploitation of refugees and asylum seekers by unscrupulous human smugglers. Even if this has the effect of closing one of the few means by which they can enter Europe, it was also prevent many desperate people from losing their money and their lives in the process. At the same time, more vigorous efforts are required to inform prospective asylum seekers of the risks that they run when they place themselves in the hands of individuals and gangs who are motivated only by profit. Finally, the countries of Europe, which generally enjoy high levels of democracy, human rights, stability and prosperity, must use every asset their disposal to ensure that people in other countries are able to benefit from the same conditions. Leaving your own country should always be a choice and never a necessity.
Posted on: Wed, 06 Nov 2013 01:37:34 +0000
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