| Author (Person) | Banks, Martin |
|---|---|
| Series Title | European Voice |
| Series Details | Vol.9, No.16, 24.4.03 |
| Publication Date | 24/04/2003 |
| Content Type | News |
|
Date: 24/04/03 By CONTROVERSIAL plans to prevent asylum seekers from entering the EU unless their application has first been processed by a 'transit centre' beyond the Union's borders have won the support of Tony Blair's favourite think-tank. The idea, which has been strongly criticised by human rights campaigners, would involve opening reception centres in countries such as Albania or Ukraine to filter asylum applications. Only those overcoming this hurdle would be allowed to enter the EU. However, a study published this week by UK-based think-tank Demos predicts that the transit centre proposal, put forward by the British government, is unlikely to work unless it forms part of a comprehensive system to handle all those wishing to come to the EU, including tourists and other visitors. The European Commission has been asked to submit a detailed working paper on the radical scheme ahead of the next EU summit in Thessoloniki, Greece, on 20 June. The Demos report, called People Flow, argues that a new international system is needed to cut the flow of illegal migrants. It suggests a network of EU "mobility service points" be set up where anyone travelling to Europe could register as a visitor, a migrant worker, a sponsored resident or refugee. Visitors would have to provide proof of ability to cover their travel expenses; workers would need a job offer or to qualify under a points system; sponsored residents would need to be vouched for by a naturalised citizen. The report's authors are Demos director Tom Bentley and Theo Veenkamp, a former director-general of the Dutch asylum reception service. Veenkamp said a new model was needed which acknowledged the complex reasons for migration and which helped people to make realistic decisions about their prospects in a different country before they left home. Controversial plans to prevent asylum seekers from entering the EU unless their application has first been processed by a 'transit centre' beyond the Union's borders have won the support of UK-based think-tank Demos. |
|
| Related Links |
|
| Subject Categories | Justice and Home Affairs |
| Countries / Regions | United Kingdom |
