Source: European Parliament
The EU provides humanitarian and development assistance in line with the European Joint Strategy in support of Palestine[1]. However, contacts established in this framework are not per se relevant in view of operational cooperation on readmission. The possibility for identification, issuance of travel document and carrying out return operations depends on the situation on ground.
The Qualification Directive[2] allows Member States to revoke refugee status based on several grounds, including if the person has committed serious crimes or poses a threat to national security.
If after an individualised assessment, the Member State authorities decide that an individual satisfies the aforementioned conditions and revoke the refugee status, it will be possible to return the individual to the country of origin if this does not violate the principle of non-refoulement.
The Return Directive[3] requires an individual assessment deciding on the issuance of a return decision. This decision needs to respect certain safeguards, including the respect of the principle of non-refoulement.
The Return Directive provides for the possibility to apply firmer rules for third-country nationals representing a serious threat to public policy, public security or national security (such as no granting of a period for voluntary departure and issuance of an entry ban longer than five years).
The Commission has proposed a new Regulation on a European approach to return that would provide for stricter rules for such cases, including mandatory forced return, longer entry bans, and a separate detention ground.
- [1] https://www.eeas.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/European%20Joint%20Strategy%202021-2024.PDF
- [2] Directive 2011/95/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 December 2011 on standards for the qualification of third-country nationals or stateless persons as beneficiaries of international protection, for a uniform status for refugees or for persons eligible for subsidiary protection, and for the content of the protection granted (recast).
- [3] Directive 2008/115/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on common standards and procedures in Member States for returning illegally staying third-country nationals.