European Parliament approves travel document proposal for failed asylum seekers

The European Parliament has approved a European Commission proposal to provide failed asylum seekers with a standard European travel document, speeding up the return of non-EU nationals staying irregularly in the EU without valid identification documents.

Members of the European Parliament pushed for the strengthening of security features and technical safeguards, so as to promote its acceptance by third countries.

To enter into force, the new regulation still needs to be formally approved by the Council of Ministers.

Third countries are reluctant to accept the return documents provided by member states today, for reasons that include inadequate security details and varying formats, the Parliament’s resolution approving the regulation notes.

The text was drafted by Jussi Halla-aho (ECR, FI), and passed by 494 votes to 112, with 50 abstentions.

European Commission figures also show that less than 40% of return decisions were enforced in 2014.

Labour MEP Miriam Dalli, who was part of the negotiating team on behalf of the Socialists and Democrats, welcomed the approval.

“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,” Dalli explained, adding that the current system has failed in the return of failed asylum seekers to their countries of origin.

The fact that a single document for all the  European member states has been established should now assist in the facilitation of the return of persons who do not, or no longer qualify for international protection while also assuring that third countries live up to their international obligations.

“It is satisfactory that through negotiations we managed to secure a high standard document which offers stronger security safeguards and assists in the return of failed asylum seekers and those whose status has come to an end in full respect of their fundamental rights,” Dalli said.

She added that it was now 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.

“Together with other pragmatic policies we can set the pace for the implementation of solid legislation which can start addressing the migration crisis we are currently facing,” the MEP said.

The new regulation provides for a common format for the European travel document, updating a non-binding Council recommendation in 1994. To combat counterfeiting and falsification, the harmonised return forms will use the same security details, such as watermarks, as were laid down in 2002 for entry visas issued by EU countries to residents without valid travel papers.

The draft regulation still needs to be formally approved by the Council of Ministers before it can enter into force. It will be take effect on the twentieth day following its publication in the EU Official Journal.