Guidelines on EU migration policy

• Policy framework for managing irregular migration
• EU protections for victims of human trafficking
• EU rules on irregular migration
• Further information

• Effectively managing and controlling the EU’s external borders;
• Combating human trafficking and smuggling;
• Encouraging non-EU citizens who are not authorised to be in an EU country to leave voluntarily;
• Cooperating with migrants’ home countries and the non-EU countries they pass through on their way to the EU.

EU Rules on Irregular Migration

How to legally enter the EU

Non-EU citizens who want to come to the EU must make sure they have the necessary documents. EU rules aim to make it easier to come to the EU legally while preventing irregular migration.

EU countries have also adopted common rules to prosecute human traffickers and smugglers, as well as an Action Plan on how to take care of children travelling alone.

More on entering the EU legally

Risks and rights of an irregular stay

Non-EU citizens who are found to be staying in an EU country without permission will generally be required to leave. EU rules set minimum standards and procedures for returning people from an EU country where they have been staying illegally. Returns must be carried out with dignity and in full respect of fundamental rights.

EU rules also set a minimum level for criminal sanctions for employers who hire unauthorised migrant workers. The rights of such workers should always be respected and they should receive full salaries, even if they have already left their EU host country.

More on the risks and rights of an irregular stay

Further Information