Bureau of Border And Foreign Police of Presidium of the Police Force (hereinafter referred to as "BBFP")

Risk Analysis and Statistics Unit of Department of Risk Analysis and Coordination of BBFP

Ruzinovska 1/B, Bratislava, Slovakia

Enforcement of immigration legislation data (EIL statistics) contain statistical information based on Article 5 and 7 of the Regulation (EC) No 862/2007 as amended by the Regulation (EU) 2020/851 with reference to third-country nationals:
• refused entry at the external border,
• found to be illegally present,
• ordered to leave,
• returned following an order to leave.

The national system is using the same system of classification as laid down in the Schengen Borders Code (see: EIL Technical Guidelines).

Classification of citizenship is based on the ISO-3166 code list (using alpha-2).

Migration and asylum – Enforcement of Immigration Legislation statistics

See table 3.4. in annex ‘Quality report tables EIL 2023’.

person

See table 3.6. in annex ‘Quality report tables EIL 2023’.

Slovakia

See table 3.8. in annex ‘Quality report tables EIL 2023’.

Not applicable.

Number of persons.

Calendar quarter and calendar year.

Legal national framework relevant for EIL statistics

- Act Nr. 404/2011 of Collection of laws on stay of aliens and on amendment of certain acts as amended (§ 76)

- Act Nr. 480/2002 of Collection of laws on Asylum and on amendments to certain acts as amended (§ 48)

Institutional infrastructure (list of the institutions involved in managing the EIL registers and the institutions involved in the production of the EIL statistics)

Management of national statistical domain (MIGRA IS) - Bureau of Border and Foreign Police exclusively

Institutions involved in the production of the EIL statistics

Bureau of Border and Foreign Police exclusively

The access to the MIGRA IS system is granted only by authority of Bureau of Border and Foreign Police exclusively

Each data put into the MIGRA IS by authorised inserter (contributor) are logged, as so every change in data is logged as well.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Quarterly and annually.

MS Excel

MS Word, MS Excel, Power BI

MS Excel data sheets shared on internal Sharepoint

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Users responsible for data input must learn “Methodology for using MIGRA IS”. Methodology is internal document of BBFP and includes all information necessary for work with the system and procedures for entering all relevant and correct data into MIGRA IS. Users responsible for input must complete the training regarding MIGRA IS at least once per year, which is performed by police officers at central level - specialists in statistics and analysis of illegal migration and specialists in technical matters when working with MIGRA IS.

Information and data are regularly (daily) entered into MIGRA IS by police officers of police unit of BBFP (Users responsible for input). It's always the police unit, which carries out the case of an illegal migration (so they know all relevant information about the case). The data are entered into MIGRA IS either manually (filling of predefined items – personal information, information about the case) or electronically (taking a picture, taking of fingerprints, scanned documents such as: the records of the interview of migrant, the copies of travel or other documents and evidence, the expulsion decision, the decision on detention, etc..). Information entered into the MIGRA IS are available immediately for police officers of the BBFP at all three levels.

National systematic process of gathering data for official statistics.

It has been developed a new information system on migration and international protection (hereinafter referred to as "MIGRA IS") in order to improve the quality of information on illegal migration and asylum procedures and thereby for providing statistical information at national and European level and also in the development of analytical products. Project was carried out in 2009-2010 using EU funds and it is a common system of Bureau of Border and Alien Police of Presidium of the Police Forces (BBAP) with the Migration Office of Ministry of Interior (MU). The system was launched in 2010.

MIGRA IS:

• is used to record proceedings and acts in dealing with foreigners at the border, inland and also in dealing with asylum procedures,
• provides comprehensive data,
• is the basic source of information regarding illegal migration in the SR and thereby for  statistics and analyses processed at regional and central level,
• provides statistical information on migration for national as well as European  institutions and agencies (EUROSTAT, Frontex),
• provides information for analytical work at all levels (tactical, operational, strategic)
• its integration into the AFIS and EURODAC ensuring unambiguous identification of persons based on fingerprints (This functionality is crucial when the illegal migrant has been in the territory of the Slovak Republic in past or is an asylum applicant in any other member state of the European Union, or wants to hide his/her true identity),
• is user friendly (searching, sorting and summarizing information according to various criteria is clear and transparent) and made available to police officers of the BBAP at all three levels (Access to the system is possible also for other police units).

This information system is an important analytical tool because it collects the amount of data of apprehended illegal migrants at the border or inland, refusals of entry and asylum applicants and furthermore the running of all operations that are performed with these migrants by the BBAP and MU. By integrating all data into a single information system, information on illegal migration and international protection are more transparent, unified and comprehensive. They are also very useful for the production of statistics on illegal migration and international protection at both national and European level.

The data entered into MIGRA IS are checked by two-step control (on a regional level and then on a central level) on a daily basis in terms of correctness, quality, accuracy and complexity of input data. Check of data at both levels is performed by the analytical units. Furthermore analytical unit at central level (RAU) correct detected errors and provide methodological guidance (by phone, email) to users responsible for input. These measures are almost eliminated errors in the data entered into MIGRA IS. RAU in addition to the checks and methodical guidance is responsible for implementing EIL statistics. RAU defined the reports from the system to fill the EIL individual tables. The definitions of these reports may be updated based on the requirements of Eurostat (new subdivisions, new voluntary tables), or new reports can be defined. The report format is electronic (.csv or .xlsx).

Some of the defined reports are exclusively used for specifically EIL table and some reports are used for compiling more data sets (national statistics, European statistics and Frontex statistics). It is almost export database, which enables data filtering and create contingency tables.

When defining or modifying reports or to add new items to the application of the MIGRA IS, it is based on the current needs and practices arising from national legislation and also of European legislation and requirements of the European agencies (particularly Eurostat and Frontex). Since external provider realizes these modifications of the MIGRA IS system, implementation is influenced by the considerable financial and time aspect. Police officers – experts in the field of statistics, analysis and IT in frame of BBFP together with an external provider cooperate in defining and specifying reports (organize meetings, discuss about the details of specification of the individual reports, etc.). The purpose is to ensure that the MIGRA IS have such data collection and the various outputs, which allow to create different correct and precise statistics, with different breakdowns and definitions both at national and European level.

1. General aspects

The statistics collected under the Regulation 862/2007 are widely used in official publications and by a wide range of users at national, European and International level.

Main users of EIL statistics at national level

Concepts, definitions and classifications of European statistics on migration are not used at the national level. At the national level, the concepts used arise from national legislation and current needs of practice. Other and different terms and definitions are used for the purposes of statistics required by agency Frontex. Administrative data sources in all of these cases are the same (MIGRA IS), but the definitions, scope and disaggregation of the European statistics, national statistics and Frontex statistics are different.

Main users of EIL statistics at European and International level
The main users of EIL statistics are Eurostat, DG Home Affairs and EASO. The statistics are used in several publications of the Commission, as well as in the preparation of regular reports, policy proposals and analysis. The statistics also provide an input to the EMN studies and reports that address specific issues of current policy importance.

2. EIL data publication at national level

Presentation of the EIL statistics published at national level

We do not publish European statistics; however, they are sent to other users on request, for example for the processing needs of European migration network (EMN) studies etc.

Except of that we publish our own national statistics on migration and international protection of foreigners in our country. In the case of UHCP, there are processed annually and semi-annual basic reports on legal and irregular migration of foreigners and are published on the website of the Ministry of Interior (URL link:http://www.minv.sk/?annual-reports-2005-2015). Reports are extensive (about 80 pages) and contain a number of statistics on legal and illegal migration in the various breakdowns. The accompanying definitions are matter of course. Other statistics are processed for internal service purposes in the framework of the Ministry of Interior and are available on the Intranet site of UHCP (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, annual, cumulative, etc.). These statistics are also provided to other entities on request (public authorities, intergovernmental institutions, legal persons and individuals).

Differences between the data provided to Eurostat and the data published at national level (Comparability of figures)

Concepts, definitions and classifications of European statistics on migration are not used at the national level. At the national level, the concepts used arise from national legislation and current needs of practice. Other and different terms and definitions are used for the purposes of statistics required by agency Frontex. Administrative data sources in all of these cases are the same (MIGRA IS), but the definitions, scope and disaggregation of the European statistics, national statistics and Frontex statistics are different.

e.g. At national level, double counting is not excluded by every dataset.

MIGRA IS meets all nessessary user´s needs.

See table 12.3. in annex ‘Quality report tables EIL 2023’.

Not applicable.

100%.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

See table 13.3.1. in annex ‘Quality report tables EIL 2023’.

See table 13.3.1. in annex ‘Quality report tables EIL 2023’.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

No errors.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

No errors.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

See table 14.2. in annex ‘Quality report tables EIL 2023’.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

See table 15.2. in annex ‘Quality report tables EIL 2023’.

Not applicable.

See table 15.3. in annex ‘Quality report tables EIL 2023’.

See table 15.3. in annex ‘Quality report tables EIL 2023’.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

Statistical department of BBFP directly performs regular second level checks of all data inputs into the system in terms of correctness, accuracy and complexity of input data. This department also compares the data input into the system with daily reports gathered for other purposes (operational management and organisation activity). It has the competency to correct detected errors; it notices users responsible for input and methodologically manages the procedures for accurate and correct input of data into the system. Logical checks of statistical outputs from this system are performed. 

There are checks of data uploaded to IS MIGRA at the national level being done in the end of each month. Later on statistical data are taken from this data source. Functionality and accuracy of statistical outputs from IS MIGRA are monitored continuously. The checks of the data are aimed to eliminate all registered defects made during the data uploading for specific month. Statistical outputs are regularly checked. Outputs for month, quarter, half of year and year are being checked and compared with monthly outputs. Defects are identified and individually corrected.

See table 17.2. in annex ‘Quality report tables EIL 2023’.

Not applicable.

See table 18.1. in annex ‘Quality report tables EIL 2023’.

Continuously if case apears.

National systematic process of gathering data for official statistics.

It has been developed a new information system on migration and international protection (hereinafter referred to as "MIGRA IS") in order to improve the quality of information on illegal migration and asylum procedures and thereby for providing statistical information at national and European level and also in the development of analytical products. Project was carried out in 2009-2010 using EU funds and it is a common system of Bureau of Border and Foreign Police of Presidium of the Police Forces (BBFP) with the Migration Office of Ministry of Interior (MU). The system was launched in 2010.

MIGRA IS:

• is used to record proceedings and acts in dealing with foreigners at the border, inland and also in dealing with asylum procedures,
• provides comprehensive data,
• is the basic source of information regarding illegal migration in the SR and thereby for  statistics and analyses processed at regional and central level,
• provides statistical information on migration for national as well as European  institutions and agencies (EUROSTAT, Frontex),
• provides information for analytical work at all levels (tactical, operational, strategic)
• its integration into the AFIS and EURODAC ensuring unambiguous identification of persons based on fingerprints (This functionality is crucial when the illegal migrant has been in the territory of the Slovak Republic in past or is an asylum applicant in any other member state of the European Union, or wants to hide his/her true identity),
• is user friendly (searching, sorting and summarizing information according to various criteria is clear and transparent) and made available to police officers of the BBAP at all three levels (Access to the system is possible also for other police units).

This information system is an important analytical tool because it collects the amount of data of apprehended illegal migrants at the border or inland, refusals of entry and asylum applicants and furthermore the running of all operations that are performed with these migrants by the BBFP and MU. By integrating all data into a single information system, information on illegal migration and international protection are more transparent, unified and comprehensive. They are also very useful for the production of statistics on illegal migration and international protection at both national and European level.

Information and data are regularly (daily) entered into MIGRA IS by police officers of police unit of BBFP (Users responsible for input). It's always the police unit, which carries out the case of an illegal migration (so they know all relevant information about the case). The data are entered into MIGRA IS either manually (filling of predefined items – personal information, information about the case) or electronically (taking a picture, taking of fingerprints, scanned documents such as: the records of the interview of migrant, the copies of travel or other documents and evidence, the expulsion decision, the decision on detention, etc..). Information entered into the MIGRA IS are available immediately for police officers of the BBFP at all three levels.

Users responsible for input must learn “Methodology for using MIGRA IS”. Methodology is internal document of BBFP and includes all information necessary for work with the system and procedures for entering all relevant and correct data into MIGRA IS. Users responsible for input must complete the training regarding MIGRA IS at least once per year, which is performed by police officers at central level - specialists in statistics and analysis of illegal migration and specialists in technical matters when working with MIGRA IS.

The data entered into MIGRA IS are checked by two-step control (on a regional level and then on a central level) on a daily basis in terms of correctness, quality, accuracy and complexity of input data. Check of data at both levels is performed by the analytical units. Furthermore analytical unit at central level (RAU) correct detected errors and provide methodological guidance (by phone, email) to users responsible for input. These measures are almost eliminated errors in the data entered into MIGRA IS. RAU in addition to the checks and methodical guidance is responsible for implementing EIL statistics. RAU defined the reports from the system to fill the EIL individual tables. The definitions of these reports may be updated based on the requirements of Eurostat (new subdivisions, new voluntary tables), or new reports can be defined. The report format is electronic (.csv or .xlsx).

Some of the defined reports are exclusively used for specifically EIL table and some reports are used for compiling more data sets (national statistics, European statistics and Frontex statistics). It is almost export database, which enables data filtering and create contingency tables.

When defining or modifying reports or to add new items to the application of the MIGRA IS, it is based on the current needs and practices arising from national legislation and also of European legislation and requirements of the European agencies (particularly Eurostat and Frontex). Since external provider realizes these modifications of the MIGRA IS system, implementation is influenced by the considerable financial and time aspect. Police officers – experts in the field of statistics, analysis and IT in frame of BBAP together with an external provider cooperate in defining and specifying reports (organize meetings, discuss about the details of specification of the individual reports, etc.). The purpose is to ensure that the MIGRA IS have such data collection and the various outputs, which allow to create different correct and precise statistics, with different breakdowns and definitions both at national and European level.

Description of the data validation system at national level

Statistical department of BBFP directly performs regular second level checks of all data inputs into the system in terms of correctness, accuracy and complexity of input data. This department also compares the data input into the system with daily reports gathered for other purposes (operational management and organisation activity). It has the competency to correct detected errors; it notices users responsible for input and methodologically manages the procedures for accurate and correct input of data into the system. Logical checks of statistical outputs from this system are performed. 

There are checks of data uploaded to IS MIGRA at the national level being done in the end of each month. Later on statistical data are taken from this data source. Functionality and accuracy of statistical outputs from IS MIGRA are monitored continuously. The checks of the data are aimed to eliminate all registered defects made during the data uploading for specific month. Statistical outputs are regularly checked. Outputs for month, quarter, half of year and year are being checked and compared with monthly outputs. Defects are identified and individually corrected.

No data compilation.

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

No statistical technique applied.

General description of the statistical domain at national level
EIL National System (level of development, main changes that affected the system in the last years and further development)
For the purpose of production of EIL statistics, we use national Information system of illegal migration and international protection "MIGRA" (hereinafter referred to as "MIGRA IS"). In order to improve the quality of information on irregular migration we have developed this new MIGRA IS. The system was put into operation in 2010. MIGRA IS is the basic source of information regarding illegal migration in the SR, which are used in the production of statistical outputs on a national and European level and also in the development of analytical products. MIGRA IS underwent development several times in order to produce statistical reports required for processing EIL statistics. The system is capable of producing output for the correct filling in of all EIL tables, including voluntary EIL tables on returns.
The Schengen Borders Code (SBC) is the legal framework for border control in Slovakia, as well as the Eurosur regulation and Visa code.
Legal national framework relevant for EIL statistics
- Act Nr. 404/2011 of Collection of laws on stay of aliens and on amendment of certain acts as amended (§ 76)
- Act Nr. 480/2002 of Collection of laws on Asylum and on amendments to certain acts as amended (§ 48)
Institutional infrastructure (list of the institutions involved in managing the EIL registers and the institutions involved in the production of the EIL statistics)
Management of national statistical domain (MIGRA IS) - Bureau of Border and Alien Police exclusively
Institutions involved in the production of the EIL statistics
Bureau of Border and Foreign Police exclusively
General procedure for recording Non-EU citizens refused entry at the external borders
each case is recorded to MIGRA IS, which is able to produce statistical output in compliance with EIL technical guidelines for data collection
General procedure for recording Non-EU citizens found to be illegally present
each case is recorded to MIGRA IS, which is able to produce statistical output in compliance with EIL technical guidelines for data collection
General procedure for recording Non-EU citizens ordered to leave
each case is recorded to MIGRA IS, which is able to produce statistical output in compliance with EIL technical guidelines for data collection
General procedure for recording Non-EU citizens returned following an order to leave
each case is recorded to MIGRA IS, which is able to produce statistical output in compliance with EIL technical guidelines for data collection
3. Main problems that affect the quality of the data and what tables are concerned including the compliance status with the definitions from EIL Technical Guideline (See metadata information including concepts and definitions from the EIL ESMS file)
We do not face any issues regarding data quality, the data resulted for Eurostat's template are of "Good" quality.