ETUC calls on the European Parliament to respect migrants’ fundamental rights
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has written to the members of the European Parliament in advance of a vote on the 18-th of June on the so called ‘Returns Directive’. If adopted, this text will regulate the procedures and conditions under which third country migrants staying irregularly in Europe may be returned to their country of origin or countries of transit.
The ETUC has strong concerns that several provisions of the Council Common Position run counter to basic fundamental rights. In particular, provisions relating to the length of the detention, the 5 year re-entry ban on the territory and forced returns to countries other than the country of origin are in its view unacceptable.
The ETUC has expressed its concerns about the repressive nature of the Directive and has urged the Parliament to at least establish acceptable norms in terms of the protection of migrants’ human rights.
In addition, the ETUC reminded the members of Parliament that the fight against irregular migration cannot be effective without having opened channels for regular migration, clear policies against labour exploitation of irregular migrants, and providing them with bridges out of irregularity. For this, the EU would need a more proactive and comprehensive policy on migration, integration and development, on which Member States unfortunately have great difficulty agreeing.
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