Returns Directive: Vote of shame mocks standards of civilisation
The Greens/EFA Group today condemned the adoption of the returns directive by the European parliament. Commenting on the vote, Greens civil liberties spokesperson Kathalijne Buitenweg said:
"The Greens are very disappointed that today, in a very emotional vote, the European parliament adopted a law that falls below acceptable standards of civilisation. With this directive, irregular migrants can be detained up to 18 months even for reasons beyond their control, such as a lack of cooperation from their country of origin. The Greens maintain three months should be the maximum.
It is scandalous that the directive will allow minors to be detained. And furthermore a five-year re-entry ban becomes mandatory, preventing many immigrants from seeing their own families in the EU. Let's not forget that most people illegally residing in Europe initially entered legally but, for example, overstayed their visas. By imposing a blanket re-entry ban rather than considering each case on its merits, things will get worse for people already in a difficult situation.
Parliament has given a green light to EU member states to also return people to countries of transit, despite the potentially devastating consequences. For example a Congolese person returned to Morocco will most probably be detained or end up with no option but to reside there illegally. This is no solution. The Greens condemn member states for only making European legislation on a returns policy and failing to forge an agreement on people wishing to enter the European Union. Our migration policy is unbalanced."