The "external dimension" of European Union policy on immigration and asylum : readmission, return and protection in the region of origin

Abstract

This paper outlines the emergence and development of the 'external dimension' of EU policy on immigration and asylum. The external dimension is expected to become of more importance in future years and was recently given a new impetus within the 2004 Hague Programme. Three areas of policy are focused upon in this paper: exporting border controls and readmission agreements, return (and circular) migration and repatriation, and 'protection in the region' (Regional Protection Programmes). The ultimate aim is to ask how policies to reduce unwanted migration into the EU are changing, and whether they can, and are likely, to be reconciled with policies that will benefit developing countries and migrants themselves. Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)