German Official Emphasizes Origin and Transit Country Measures at Vienna Migration Conference 2020
Summary
The Vienna Migration Conference 2020, hosted by the ICMPD, brought together experts to discuss the latest global and European migration developments. A key takeaway from the conference, highlighted by BAMF Vice President Schumacher, was the reinforced focus on implementing measures in migrants' countries of origin and transit. This emphasis signals a continued trend in European policy to manage migration flows externally, which could impact the pathways and processes for asylum seekers approaching Europe.
The Vienna Migration Conference 2020 served as a crucial platform for policymakers and experts to deliberate on evolving global migration landscapes and their implications for Europe. A significant point of discussion, underscored by BAMF Vice President Andrea Schumacher, was the critical importance of implementing robust measures and cooperation initiatives within migrants' countries of origin and key transit nations. This approach aims to address the root causes of migration, prevent irregular movements, and enhance the capacity of these countries to manage migration flows before individuals reach European borders, thereby shifting some focus of migration management outward.
For asylum seekers and other immigrants, this emphasis indicates a reinforced European strategy to manage migration further upstream. This could translate into more stringent border controls, increased cooperation with non-EU countries to process applications or deter onward movement, and potentially fewer direct pathways to seeking asylum once individuals reach European soil. Applicants might face greater challenges in reaching their intended destination countries, as policies and resources are increasingly directed towards intervention and prevention in external regions rather than solely processing applications within the EU.
Background
This focus on externalizing migration management has been a recurring theme in EU migration policy discussions, particularly following the 2015-2016 refugee crisis, aiming to reduce irregular arrivals and strengthen external borders. Previously, policies often focused more on integration and processing within EU member states.
Who This Affects
- Asylum seekers from non-EU countries may find their journeys to Europe more challenging due to increased border security and cooperation with transit countries designed to intercept or deter migration.
- Refugees residing in transit countries could experience changes in their living conditions and opportunities as European funding and influence are directed towards strengthening local capacities and processing applications outside the EU.
- Immigrant support organizations operating within Europe might see a shift in focus from immediate arrival support to advocacy for fair processes in third countries and addressing root causes of migration.
What You Should Do Now
- Stay informed about bilateral agreements between your country of origin/transit and EU nations, as these can significantly impact transit routes and asylum application processes.
- Seek legal counsel early if considering asylum, especially regarding the implications of externalized processing and potential safe third-country agreements.
- Prepare comprehensive documentation related to your asylum claim, as robust evidence becomes even more crucial when policies prioritize deterrence and early intervention.
Key Takeaway
The Vienna Migration Conference highlighted Europe's reinforced commitment to managing migration flows by implementing measures in origin and transit countries, potentially altering pathways for asylum seekers.
Source: Read official article on BAMF Germany (Official)
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