The readmission agreement between the European Union (EU) and Turkey is a crucial area of cooperation between the two parties that has been in place since 2016. This agreement governs the return of irregular migrants from the EU member states to Turkey, and from Turkey to third countries.
The purpose of the readmission agreement is to ensure that both the EU and Turkey uphold their legal obligations under international law and bilateral agreements on migration. The agreement sets out the procedures for returning irregular migrants and provides safeguards to ensure that they are treated humanely during their return.
Under the agreement, Turkey is required to readmit all persons who do not have the right to enter or stay in the EU. This includes third-country nationals who have entered the EU from Turkey. The agreement also covers migrants who have passed through Turkey to reach the EU.
In return, the EU has agreed to readmit Turkish nationals who are irregularly residing in the EU. This includes Turkish nationals who have been refused entry or whose visas have expired. The readmission of Turkish nationals is a key priority for Turkey, as it is seeking to ease visa restrictions for Turkish citizens traveling to the EU.
The readmission agreement is an important tool for managing migration flows between Turkey and the EU and ensuring that both parties uphold their legal obligations. However, it has faced criticism for putting migrants at risk of human rights abuses and for relying on Turkey to act as a gatekeeper for the EU`s external borders.
In response, the EU has provided financial and technical assistance to Turkey to improve its management of migration and asylum processes. The EU has also established a joint monitoring mechanism to ensure that the readmission agreement is being implemented in line with international standards.
In conclusion, the readmission agreement between the EU and Turkey is a vital component of their cooperation on migration. It sets out clear procedures for returning irregular migrants and provides safeguards to ensure that they are treated humanely. While it has faced criticism, the agreement remains an essential tool for managing migration flows and upholding legal obligations.