New EU Migration deal brings greater clarity and certainty, says Doherty

Fine Gael MEP Regina Doherty says she welcomes last night’s agreement between the European Parliament and Member States on new EU rules governing the return of people who do not have the legal right to remain in the European Union, describing it as the final pillar of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

“This agreement is not about people who have come to Europe legally, those who are working, studying or contributing to our communities, nor is it about people who have been granted international protection,” she said.

“It is about creating a common European system for dealing with cases where a person has gone through the legal process and has been found not to have the right to remain.”

Doherty said Europe’s migration system has come under significant pressure in recent years and that greater cooperation between Member States is needed.

“Until now, there has been no truly coordinated European approach to returns.

“Different countries have had different systems, different rules and different levels of enforcement.

“This agreement helps bring clarity and consistency to that process.”

“The reality is that many countries are struggling to cope with migration pressures.

“Return rates across the European Union currently stand at around 20 per cent.

“Too often, people who have been ordered to leave simply disappear from the system before a return can take place. The EU Migration Pact is designed to help manage those pressures through a more coordinated European approach, with clearer rules and greater cooperation between Member States.”

She also warned that misinformation surrounding migration is making it harder to have an honest debate on the issue.

“There is far too much misinformation circulating online about migration. Too often, complex issues are reduced to slogans, outrage and false claims. People deserve facts, not fear.”

“A migration system must be both fair and credible.

“That means protecting those who genuinely need protection, welcoming those who come to Europe legally to work and contribute, while also ensuring that decisions reached through due process are respected.”