There has been substantial political discourse, both domestically and at a European level, surrounding the subject of immigration. The manifesto of the European People’s Party (EPP) for the forthcoming European vote in June puts emphasis on “unlawful immigration”.
Plans, which would involve considerable modifications to the regulations affecting asylum claimants, have received backing from Fine Gael MEPs and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. Included in these plans is a strategy to relocate asylum requesters to a “safe third country” for their applications to be processed. If these applications are successful, asylum would be granted in said country. While Mr Varadkar has shown favour towards this course of action, he has expressed some qualifications.
However, the implementation of this strategy in Ireland is not imminent as Ireland possesses the power to either opt into or abstain from such measures. Here is an overview of the unfolding situation.
Due to newly confirmed accommodation centres in Dublin, Laois, Limerick, Kildare, and Cork, Ukrainians have seen their allowances reduced. An audit revealed only 500 additional beds available for asylum seekers, although 4,300 Ukrainians have vacated their shelter. Asylum seekers in pop-up Dublin encampment are faced with dermal and respiratory maladies as they feel dehumanised by the public gaze.
So, what exactly is the EPP and why does it hold significance?
The EPP is a collective organisation which stands for conservative and centre-right political factions throughout Europe, one of which is Fine Gael. With the European election looming in June, current polling suggests the EPP is in the lead and is predicted to maintain the largest group within the European Parliament once the election has taken place. Moreover, Ursula von der Leyen, their main candidate, is a strong favourite for the European Commission presidency.
What is the EPP’s stance on immigration?
Their manifesto, which was recently published, indicates that the group campaigns for a “radical transformation in European refugee law”, and affirms that while the EPP is “dedicated” to upholding the right to seek asylum, the EU must “retain the privilege of determining who and where it is bestowed”. They have stated their intention to form agreements with third-world countries to ensure the safe and civil reception of those seeking asylum. In essence, they aim to integrate the idea of secure third countries.
The manifesto goes on to suggest that, “any person seeking asylum within the EU could also be relocated to a secure third country to undergo the asylum process. Should the decision be positive, the third country would then provide protection to the claimant. A thorough contractual agreement would be arranged with the secure third world country.”
Is this policy not similar to the UK’s proposed Rwanda policy?
The EPP’s manifesto states unequivocally that “safe third countries” must abide by the basic obligations of the Geneva Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has contested comparisons to the UK’s policy, as the identification of safe countries will follow these conventions.
The UK’s deportation policy involving Rwanda, which has not yet led to any migrants being processed in the small African nation, has been ruled unlawful by the country’s Supreme Court.
In recent times, the EU has sought to standardise its migration policies. In December, the bloc achieved a significant agreement on novel regulations intended to distribute the expenses and tasks of accommodating migrants more equitably and to curb the number of incoming people.
This reform package contains measures to expedite the examination of irregular arrivals, establish detention centres at the borders, quicken the deportation process for denied asylum seekers, and introduce a solidarity mechanism for southern nations with a large number of international protection claims.
While keeping the standing principle of the first EU nation entered by asylum seekers being responsible for their cases, the revamp, which had been suggested by a commission more than three years ago, was criticised by some European parties for not going far enough.
Italy recently entered a pact with Albania, allowing for asylum claims to be processed in the latter. Moreover, an EU agreement is in place with Tunisia.
As for potential obligations arising from the EPP’s proposed policy, Ireland’s position is unique. The country currently has no compulsory obligation under the EU to accept refugees due to a selectively applicable clause in the areas of freedom, security, and justice under the EU Treaty of Lisbon. The Irish Government has, however, shown support for humanitarian efforts.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Fine Gael MEPs have spoken positively about these efforts. Varadkar noted a “very difficult situation now in Ireland” with rising numbers of international protection applicants and an inability to guarantee accommodation for arrivals. He also expressed concerns about increasing arrivals crossing the open border from North to South.
However, he mentioned that the Government is not attempting either to dissuade authentic refugees from settling in Ireland, should they require international safety, nor is it actively boosting the influx of individuals to Ireland to request for asylum. He further elaborated that issues such as poverty, environmental changes and conflicts serve as instigators contributing towards the upswing in the figures of asylum seekers arriving in Ireland.
“There’s a staggering 100 million individuals globetrotting and it comes as little surprise that a minuscule fraction may venture towards Ireland.”
What makes migration and asylum such prominent issues?
Stemming from statistics presented by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), the submission of asylum applications within the EU rose by 18 per cent, reaching 1.14 million in the year 2023. This surge records the highest spike since the migration plight of 2015-2016.
While the number of asylum requests in 2023 are marginally below those recorded in 2016, these add to the 4.4 million Ukrainians seeking shelter from Russia’s incursion of Ukraine within the European Union, an action that doesn’t require a formal application. This influx has given birth to local strains within member states, dealing with the escalating number of people crying out for aid.
Is the EU in favour of dwindling down the number of seekers for asylum?
As per Mr Varadkar, there’s a requirement to draw a distinction between those who legally migrate and those who don’t respect the law.
“There’s a need to adopt a sterner stance on individuals attempting illegal entry into Ireland as economic migrants, especially when a work permit system is available for use,” he further stated.