Concept for the Restriction of Immigration*
Without bashing of politicians and agitation against foreigners.
We don't want to take in more "protection seekers".
We offer them alternatives ...
1. Assessment of the situation without self-delusion and lies: In 2014, the Dublin III Regulation, which should prevent uncontrolled migration of asylum seekers, has de facto been abolished. On 25 August 2015, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees announced via Twitter: “#Dublin procedures of Syrian citizens are de facto not pursued any more at this point in time.” On 31 August, Chancellor Angela Merkel issued the slogan: “We can do it!” From the 5th of September on, she (in agreement with Austria’s Chancellor Werner Faymann) permitted thousands of refugees and migrants who were stranded in Hungary to enter Germany without identity checks.**
Most of them want to stay. And more asylum seekers are coming to Europe every day ...
The factual maximum upper limit, however, had already been exceeded in summer 2015.
Refugees and migrants are diverting a lot of money and human resources from other pressing priorities. Most of the housing markets, labour markets, educational facilities, social welfare systems and administration courts are already hopelessly overstrained. The countries are arguing over refugee distribution quotas. The freedom to travel is in question. Many citizens voice vociferous protests. Some even turn violent ...
Migrants with no right of residence resist their deportation.
Refugees and migrants are diverting a lot of money and human resources from other pressing priorities. Most of the housing markets, labour markets, educational facilities, social welfare systems and administration courts are already hopelessly overstrained. The countries are arguing over refugee distribution quotas. The freedom to travel is in question. Many citizens voice vociferous protests. Some even turn violent ...
Migrants with no right of residence resist their deportation.
And among refugees, disappointment is spreading. The Culture of Welcome has given most of them false promises: fast handling of their applications, family reunion, life outlook ...
The public services and civil societies certainly deserve more praise and gratitude for their humanitarian work. But this should not blind us to the reality of the crisis. Europe will still have to deal with the aftermath for quite a while – including conflicts for economic resources and terror.
A majority of Europeans don’t want to take in more protection seekers. But in future, many more will seek their salvation in Europe. And as Nobel Prize winners (2012), we EU citizens have a reputation to loose: Europe as a humanitarian union and stronghold of human rights.
2. Our politicians should do more plain talking; they should plan for the longer term; they should abandon dogmatism and noncommittal fantasy ...
Reforms are needed: The EU should stay away from areas where the Member States do it best themselves; some Council decisions should be taken by majority and not unanimously; concepts against youth unemployment and old-age poverty should be at the top of the agenda ...
New financial resources: effective measures against the waste of taxpayers’ money and EU funds, consequent fight against tax evasion and avoidance, EU-wide introduction of a financial transaction tax ...
The new maxim: a favourable pragmatism that seeks happiness for the largest number of people.
With a sensible and balanced protection of minorities ...
3. True solidarity cannot be enforced. The former Eastern bloc countries, especially, cannot be urged to transform themselves into multicultural societies. They have already taken in hundreds of thousands refugees and migrant labourers from the Ukraine. Immigrants from the Orient and from Africa are not welcome there.
A “fair” distribution of refugees across all countries of the EU would also attract more of them: the more there are distributed the more would come. And most don’t want to be distributed anyway - they not only seek refuge but (naturally) also a better economic future in the rich countries.
4. The inadequate funding of UNHCR and WFP was a scandalous injustice and an unforgivable stupidity.
3. True solidarity cannot be enforced. The former Eastern bloc countries, especially, cannot be urged to transform themselves into multicultural societies. They have already taken in hundreds of thousands refugees and migrant labourers from the Ukraine. Immigrants from the Orient and from Africa are not welcome there.
A “fair” distribution of refugees across all countries of the EU would also attract more of them: the more there are distributed the more would come. And most don’t want to be distributed anyway - they not only seek refuge but (naturally) also a better economic future in the rich countries.
4. The inadequate funding of UNHCR and WFP was a scandalous injustice and an unforgivable stupidity.
Keep in mind: Some of the poorest countries bear the greatest burden when it comes to helping refugees. Lebanon, Jordan, Iran and Pakistan each have over one million refugees within their borders. We “must help before the dam bursts!” (Abdullah II, King of Jordan)
But: Mainly the pleasure-loving fortune hunters will still seek their salvation in Europe, even if the living standard in refugee camps is improved. Migration is a social phenomenon that is not only born out of sheer necessity ...
And the "fight against causes of migration" is hardly possible where there is too much violence and a lack of the rule of law. Stopping the arms exports would (probably) be helpful ...
Turkey hosts more immigrants than any other country (over 4 million). The EU should provide more support. But a policy of appeasement with the Turkish government - a policy that establishes more and more dependencies and concessions - would be an epochal mistake. The lifting of visa requirements for all Turkish citizens would certainly lead to more immigration into the EU. And Turkey’s entry to the EU would overstrain both sides by far. The desirable aim is a privileged partnership with this beautiful country at the Bosphorus.
5. Some Greek islands near the Turkish coast are no longer a pleasant Living environment: the reception camps are hopelessly overcrowded, industry and tourism lie in tatters, and it is very difficult to protect this external border ...
The EU-Turkey agreement (18 March 2016) contains irregular migration in the Aegean. But it causes too many legal and practical problems. And only the Aegean islands offer options for a long-term solution of the crisis on the territory of the EU.
Ergo: an Aegean island should become a Safe Haven for refugees.
6. It should be a sparsely populated island of 100-150 km² area. The islanders would have to be resettled with consideration and generously compensated. Government, parliament and people of Greece would have to be persuaded with great sensitivity and a multi-billion-euro stimulus package.
Asylum seekers are then given legal entry: A ferry service is established between Turkey and the island. This requires a fair agreement with Turkey. And the Geneva Convention is applied to immigrants, i.e. no entry for suspected terrorists, war criminals, economic migrants and refugees who already found security from persecution in the Middle East (like most war refugees). Entry permits are granted to persons who have a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion. Family members of refugees who are already living in Europe get a special right. The inmates on the other Islands are evacuated and subjected to legal screening. Rejected asylum seekers are sent back to Turkey or to the countries of origin. Turkey gets more support in in the response to the migrant crisis. And an UN protection zone for civilians is established in northern Syria ...
Recognised refugees may settle on the island and participate in the development. They can establish hospitals, kindergardens and schools. They can follow a trade or carry on commerce and, to a large extend, organise the administration themselves. The EU ensures their safety. There are no weapons and no explosives. And those who want to give up their protection status can leave at any time. (Sadly, Australia’s Pacific Solution turned into a nightmare and made every “island solution” seem suspicious. And the debates about distribution quotas and upper limits hamper every discussion about a reasonable solution.)
Recognised refugees may settle on the island and participate in the development. They can establish hospitals, kindergardens and schools. They can follow a trade or carry on commerce and, to a large extend, organise the administration themselves. The EU ensures their safety. There are no weapons and no explosives. And those who want to give up their protection status can leave at any time. (Sadly, Australia’s Pacific Solution turned into a nightmare and made every “island solution” seem suspicious. And the debates about distribution quotas and upper limits hamper every discussion about a reasonable solution.)
Even refugees who are already living in Europe then have an alternative: They don’t have to integrate themselves in our societies.They may live near their homeland until they feel safe to return (Asylum is a temporary right of residence!)
Keep in mind: There are many, partly intractable problems with the integration of immigrants. And it will be very difficult to bring the Syrian war refugees back to their homeland, even when the war ends, since they are seen as traitors to their fatherland.
In particular, refugees with subsidiary protection status will be happy to move to the island if they’re allowed to make their claims for family reunification. Their applications can then get quickly processed and decided to the best interests of the children. That alone makes the effort worthwhile. The suspension of family reunification for persons with subsidiary protection status became necessary to restrict immigration. But if we force traumatised children and young people to live separated from their parents for years, we create problems we have to fear.
Id est: We could do without debates about distribution quotas and upper limits. And all those who hold humanity close to their heart should (actually) agree.
The current situation in 2020, however, calls for quick and rational action.
It seems advisable to evacuate the overcrowded camps in order to accommodate the protection seekers on uninhabited Aegean islands: here well-meaning people - there criminals, troublemakers and arsonists. The cooperation with UNHCR and IOM is a matter of course. But no entrance for agitators who want to push through their political agenda ...
In any case, the resettlement of protection seekers to EU countries willing to receive them is strongly discouraged!
7. Is there a way to a better agreement with Turkey?
The Refugee Deal is no masterly achievement of foreign policy. And with its authoritarianism, the Turkish government is a heavy burden. Turkey itself could soon produce many refugees again (like in the 1990ties). Next to Kurds and other minorities, oppositional ethnic Turks are systematically persecuted and antagonised now. Many of them would want to start a new life in Europe. But we Europeans do not want to import the Turkish conflicts. And if there is no “island solution” ...
Theoretically, the EU and Turkey have the legal obligation, even without an agreement, to treat all immigrants in a humanitarian way and inhibit criminal activities like migrant smuggling and human trafficking. The deal of 2016, however, which only gives protection to a group of refugees if another group risked their lives, is not humanitarian. And not only in Turkey, also in Europe, many immigrants suffer great need.
Practically, it is a permanent crisis that demands ever more acts of solidarity with strangers. The “refugee crisis” is a migrant crisis, the end of which cannot be foreseen. Those who say “solution” actually mean a reasonable management of the crisis. Because practically, an unlimited obligation does not exist. The limits of obligations are defined by the capability of the helpers.
And Turkey already faces a mighty mountain of problems. The dimensions are dramatic: The proverbial Anatolian hospitality reaches its limits. Democracy reaches its limits. The government reaches its limits ...
The big Community of values - committed to the ideals of Enlightenment - must seek the partnership with this authoritarian country. The EU needs Turkey not only for the solution of the migrant crisis but also for the fight against the IS, for ending the civil war in Syria, for the settlement of the Cyprus question . . . . EU and Turkey are NATO partners. The EU has close economic relations with Turkey. Many people of Turkish background live in the EU ...
Conciliation is of great interest to both sides. And the existing agreement should only be a first step to master the immigration disaster. A humane solution must include safe and legal routes into the EU. At least one special zone, managed jointly by Turkey and the EU, should be set up on the Turkish coast.
But how can this be done when the Turkish government is oppressing its own people and conducting wars of aggression?
Answer: This cannot be done.
At this point in time, there is rather the danger that Turkey withdraws from the existing agreement. And then what?
28 February 2020: Turkey will not stop refugees 'who want to go to Europe' dw.com
An alternative could be: Frontex and local authorities secure the external borders. Protection seekers who still make it into the EU, as well as those who are already living on the other islands, are brought to the Safe Haven. All are subjected to legal screening. Rejected asylum seekers are deported on charter planes back to their home countries. And we have a confrontation with Turkey, which we do not want.
With the denunciation of the agreement, however, Turkey would harm itself. More far-sightedness and willingness to reform is required. As the basic issue is Turkey’s steady integration in the International Community that, according to its Charta, has noble aims: securing world peace, protection of human rights, promotion of international cooperation ...
With the denunciation of the agreement, however, Turkey would harm itself. More far-sightedness and willingness to reform is required. As the basic issue is Turkey’s steady integration in the International Community that, according to its Charta, has noble aims: securing world peace, protection of human rights, promotion of international cooperation ...
The government in Ankara should listen more to voices of the people again. And one hears many reasonable things: respect for civil rights, freedom of the press, solid bilateral relationships, reviving tourism, increasing research and development expenditures, high value-added production – lots of good arguments to remain open for money and ideas from East and West.
The reward for all the hard work would be an agreement between upright-walking human beings. There will be no visa liberalisation. And the negotiations about Turkey’s entry to the EU is put on ice.*** But the dialogue should be continued, of course. On offer is more support for Turkey refugee response and a privileged partnership: strong, lasting relations with customs union and free-trade area and with concrete projects for the promotion of small and medium-sized enterprises in the health and education sectors. And naturally, there could be a much better common foreign and security policy: a determined fight against terrorism, extremism and organised crime ...
8. A realistic concept is one thing. The practical implementation might be something else.
Only the Aegean islands offer possibilities for a long-term solution of the crisis on the territory of the EU. But there are already tremendous problems.
September 2020: Overall, there are more than 95,000 refugees and migrants living in Greece now. About 27,000 are living on the islands of Lesbos, Leros, Samos, Kos und Chios.
Only the Aegean islands offer possibilities for a long-term solution of the crisis on the territory of the EU. But there are already tremendous problems.
September 2020: Overall, there are more than 95,000 refugees and migrants living in Greece now. About 27,000 are living on the islands of Lesbos, Leros, Samos, Kos und Chios.
The conditions in the hopelessly overcrowded reception camps are degrading for a long time, and they have already led to heavy riots. The Greek government wants to improve the situation with the building of solid accommodations and alternative quarters – it says. It even has plans to set up an internment camp on a small island in order to place rampaging nomads. But local communities are putting up increasingly harsh resistance against the enlargement of homes for unwanted immigrants. And also on the mainland - where parts of the population dependent on emergency shelters and soup kitchens - social tensions and political conflicts are rising ...
The Greek government itself is putting up resistance against the resumption of the Dublin Regulation. Since 15 March 2017, asylum seekers can be sent back to the country of first entry to the EU. Recognised refugees should be distributed to other Member States. But the Greeks cannot rely on our Resettlement Program. We force them to ruin some of their most beautiful islands ...
The poor Greeks become victims of the Arab Spring. And the big Community of values does not know a remedy?
What is actually the reason for this failure of the EU?
Is it the economic crisis in Greece? Is it the lethargy of bureaucracy? Why is the Greek government not able to do justice to its commitments with the available EU funds? Answer: Since it is not only a matter of money, of course. In March 2016, the EU has promised to send 4,000 experts for asylum procedures to Greece – a few dozen have come. And many Member States don’t even want to receive a fraction of the refugee quotas they have promised.
This is a dead end - you better stay away!
That’s the signal to all asylum seekers.
This is a dead end - you better stay away!
That’s the signal to all asylum seekers.
Failure belongs to the deterrence strategy.
Together with the “closing” of the Balkan route, this strategy is quite successful. But the question is: For how long?
In general: Only that which is sustainable is truly ethical.
What a pity for this beautiful concept! It is impossible to imagine where we would be today if we had already discussed it in the year of 2015.
We finally must stop to embarrass ourselves in front of the whole world!
At least, we’ve learned a few more things. And perhaps the decision-makers are more open to a solution focused therapy now.
There are good arguments to counter the objection that the evacuation of a big island would be impractical for organisational and humanitarian reasons: Large groups of people have been successfully re-settled in regions where there are large artificial barrier lakes now; many of them were happy to begin a new life. In this sense, the Greeks are remunerated in a princely manner.
Thus, the basic right to asylum remains, but the refugees are accommodated in the guest house instead of in the living room. And the credibility of the European Community of values is preserved in the long run.****
There is, however, a strange phenomenon: even politicians and journalists, who advocate a merciless austerity and/or the distribution of the refugees to all EU countries, are voicing big concerns over the evacuation of an island. “We cannot demand that from the poor Greeks,” they say. And although they must know that Europe, in the long run, has no other choice but to restrict immigration, they wouldn’t expect the refugees to live on a beautiful island.
Beware of Hypocrisy!
The situation in the Aegean is worsening.
Sooner or later, many unwanted immigrants have to be relocated - by force.
Do we want that?
13 March 2017: Balkan migration route is ‘not closed’ euractiv.com
11 February 2018: Only 16 pct of asylum seekers can be sent back to Turkey ekathimerini.com
5 April 2019: Greek Police Clash With Refugees Heading for Border balkaninight.com
1 August 2019: Has Turkey’s policy on Syrian refugees started to backfire? al-monitor.com
5 September: Erdogan threatens to 'open the gates' for migrants to Europe euronews.com
17 September: Aid workers warn of catastrophe in Greek refugee camps theguardian.com
30 September: Greece’s Moria fire exposes refugee camp pushed to Limit dw.com
6 October: Germany’s Horst Seehofer warns of 'refugee wave' bigger than in 2015 dw.com
10 October: Turkey launches ground offensive in northern Syria bbc.com
17 October: US and Turkey agree ceasefire in Syria telegraph.co.uk
23 October: Putin and Erdogan Announce Plan for Northeast Syria nytimes.com
1 November: Greece passes asylum law aimed at curbing migrant arrivals theguardian.com
11 November: Turkey starts sending Islamic State fighters back to home countries bbc.com
15 December: Greece’s Prime Minister Mitsotakis calls for more help from Europe en24.news
23 December: President Erdogan warns Europe of new migration Crisis euobsever.com
19 January 2020: Libya conference in Berlin agrees on cease-fire plan aa.com.tr
22 January: Greece migrant crisis: Islanders strike over crowded camps bbc.com
26 February: Greek islands shut down in strike as locals protest migrant camps dw.com
28 February: Turkey will not stop refugees 'who want to go to Europe' dw.com
29 February: Greece blocks 10,000 migrants at Turkey border bbc.com
1 March: EU border guards on alert in Greece asiantimes.com
3 March: Erdogan threatens Europe with 'millions' of migrants afp.com
5 March: Turkey deploys 1,000 police at Greek border as tensions rise theguardian.com
6 March: Tear Gas Fired From Turkish Side Towards Greek Border Guards haaretz.com
7 March: Greece To Build New Camps After Migrant Surge jbtimes.com
9 March: Erdogan met EU officials in Brussels euronews.com
8 April: Angry Migrants Destroy 5,000 Olive Trees on Lesbos creekcitytimes.com
23 September: EU plans tougher controls in migration policy overhaul dw.com22 January 2021: Serbia: Court confirms illegal pushbacks into the EU dw.com
Refugee routes: Google
9. On the Western and Central Mediterranean routes, the geosphere does not offer adequate opportunities, but there is another solution: African countries receive more economic aid if they prevent new migration. UN Safe Zones for refugees are set up in sub-Sahara Africa. Libya is pacified by peacekeeping forces of the United Nations and of the African Union. (Easier said than done.) The EU’s naval mission extends its area of operation in order to save as many lives as possible. And the rescued are returned to EU Safe Zones in North Africa where only recognised refugees are granted the right of residence.
In March 2016, Italy’s interior minister Angelino Alfano has already warned that the refugee system is at risk to collapse: “Without returns, either you organise real prisons, or it’s obvious that the system will collapse. It doesn’t take a prophet to glimpse the future.”
Partnerships in the areas of migration with African states can contain irregular migration. But: agreements with autocratic racketeers are difficult on both a practical and legal level. And the alliance with Libyan coast guards, who are trained and paid by the EU since autum 2016, is contrary to international law. They are empowered to do what European crews, under international law, are not allowed to do: they can return the people from international waters to Libya where they may be at risk of mistreatment and abuse. That must change.
27 May 2018 : Austria’s Sebastian Kurz wants to use EU border guards in Africa dw.com
19 June: EU leaders consider centers outside bloc to process refugees politico.eu
On 28/29 June, the European Council decided a paradigm shift in migration policy. In the future, boat people in the Mediterranean should be intercepted and returned to "disembarkation platforms" in North Africa, in order to make swift decisions about their protection status. In close cooperation with UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), everything should comply with international law. But there are still many legal and practical problems in the implementation. The question where such platforms could be established remains an open question. And unclarified also is the question of how recognised refugees should be distributed among the Member States.
European Council meeting - Conclusions: www.consilium.europa.eu
19 June: EU leaders consider centers outside bloc to process refugees politico.eu
On 28/29 June, the European Council decided a paradigm shift in migration policy. In the future, boat people in the Mediterranean should be intercepted and returned to "disembarkation platforms" in North Africa, in order to make swift decisions about their protection status. In close cooperation with UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), everything should comply with international law. But there are still many legal and practical problems in the implementation. The question where such platforms could be established remains an open question. And unclarified also is the question of how recognised refugees should be distributed among the Member States.
European Council meeting - Conclusions: www.consilium.europa.eu
In contrast, EU Safe Zones should not be transit stations on the trip to Europe. As in the Aegean, they are Safe Havens for recognised refugees. The cooperation with UNHCR and IOM is a matter of course. And equally, many legal and practical issues need to be clarified – in particular the question about the locations. Such oases for refugees would certainly have destabilizing effects on coastal countries in North Africa. But exactly the war-torn Libya could become a good partner because the country is likely to stabilise in the process – if the necessary measures are taken.
Obligatory task: Those who are talking about “securing of external borders” (and thereby raise a cheer) would also have to explain how this can be done.
At present, all those who reach an external border and say “asylum” should be allowed to enter the EU and get an asylum procedure (which is admittedly not always the case).
According to the Sea External Borders Regulation (EU 656/2014), border surveillance is governed by the fundamental maritime rescue obligations and the principle of non-refoulement conferred by the Geneva Convention on Refugees. The action forces are not allowed to push off boats and force conversion to the open sea or deport people without individual examination to countries where they are in danger of life or freedom. That will not change with an increase of budget and personnel for Frontex. Safe Zones must be set up. And then, the EU Council can give the Border Agency another mandate: “Bring the asylum seekers into a Safe Zone!”
The practical implementation also includes a new, reality-oriented definition of “safe third counties”, of course. For persons who are not persecuted in their home country, the country can be considered safe – even if there are danger zones and human rights are being violated. With the appropriate measures, such countries then can be persuaded to take their citizens back. Otherwise, also the migrants would have to be granted protection until the security situation in their home country is sustainably improved.
Of course, not suitable are visa facilitation and other presents that can be enforced. Appropriate measures are visa restrictions, economic sanctions, stop of the development cooperation ...
On the Libyan coast, the first EU Safe Zone could soon become reality – if the EU is smart and tough enough in the negotiations. The many people who are stranded there will then be subjected to legal screening. At the same time, UN Safe Zones for refugees are set up in sub-Sahara Africa. And the protection seekers are required to apply for asylum in the nearest Zone. This avoids the pull effect to the north and puts also an end to deaths in the Sahara dessert.
NGOs remind us (against the will of the majority) of the urgency of a “solution”.
27 June 2019: "Sea-Watch 3" defied order and was stopped off Italian island cnn.com
29 June: Italian police arrest migrant-rescue ship captain after docking reuters.com
2 July: Sea-Watch: Italian court lifts house arrest order for German captain dw.com
6 July: Second migrant rescue boat defies Salvini and docks in Italy theguardian.com
7 July: "Alan Kurdi" migrants to be transferred by Malta to other EU countries tofmalta.com
12 July: UN urges EU to launch new rescue operations in the Mediterranea telereport.com
6 August: Italy clears the way for tougher penalties for distress rescuers tellerreport.com
17 September: Germany prepared to take in 25% of migrants who arrive in Italy dw.com
23 November 2020: Canary Islands to provide emergency shelter for 7,000 migrants bbc.com
NGOs remind us (against the will of the majority) of the urgency of a “solution”.
27 June 2019: "Sea-Watch 3" defied order and was stopped off Italian island cnn.com
29 June: Italian police arrest migrant-rescue ship captain after docking reuters.com
2 July: Sea-Watch: Italian court lifts house arrest order for German captain dw.com
6 July: Second migrant rescue boat defies Salvini and docks in Italy theguardian.com
7 July: "Alan Kurdi" migrants to be transferred by Malta to other EU countries tofmalta.com
12 July: UN urges EU to launch new rescue operations in the Mediterranea telereport.com
6 August: Italy clears the way for tougher penalties for distress rescuers tellerreport.com
17 September: Germany prepared to take in 25% of migrants who arrive in Italy dw.com
23 November 2020: Canary Islands to provide emergency shelter for 7,000 migrants bbc.com
According to UNHCR and IOM, approximately 50,000 registered refugees and 800,000 migrants are currently living in Libya. 5,000 or 6,000 of them are detained in camps. (July 2019)
The dilemma: Rescue is mandatory. But the marine salvage law was not designed for people who intentionally bring themselves into distress at sea to force their immigration ...
And the fight against the causes of flight will take several generations:
And the fight against the causes of flight will take several generations:
1. Africa’s political elites would have to be forced to promote the common welfare.
Then, the aggressive economic policy of foreign powers and the ruthless exploitation by multinationals would be contained ...
10. The EU should contribute much more to the sustainable pacification and development of the Western Balkan countries. A multi-billion-euro stimulus plan can offer positive and improved living standards for many people. And in the medium term, this also includes the EU integration of these countries. In order to combat misuse, a legal reform of people’s right to freedom of movement in the EU (free movement of workers and freedom of establishment) will be inevitable anyway. Wage dumping and immigration into the social systems must be prevented as far as possible. 'Business as usual' is no longer an option, in the wake of the Brexit vote.
The current situation in 2020, however, calls for quick and rational action.
Thousands of protection seekers are waiting for an opportunity to continue their journey. And their accommodations are crisis zones; borders cannot be sealed completely; deportations become unenforceable .... Good advice is expensive now.
In any case, the resettlement of protection seekers to EU countries willing to receive them is strongly discouraged!
11. Will the Schengen area be maintained?
Then, the aggressive economic policy of foreign powers and the ruthless exploitation by multinationals would be contained ...
10. The EU should contribute much more to the sustainable pacification and development of the Western Balkan countries. A multi-billion-euro stimulus plan can offer positive and improved living standards for many people. And in the medium term, this also includes the EU integration of these countries. In order to combat misuse, a legal reform of people’s right to freedom of movement in the EU (free movement of workers and freedom of establishment) will be inevitable anyway. Wage dumping and immigration into the social systems must be prevented as far as possible. 'Business as usual' is no longer an option, in the wake of the Brexit vote.
The current situation in 2020, however, calls for quick and rational action.
Thousands of protection seekers are waiting for an opportunity to continue their journey. And their accommodations are crisis zones; borders cannot be sealed completely; deportations become unenforceable .... Good advice is expensive now.
In any case, the resettlement of protection seekers to EU countries willing to receive them is strongly discouraged!
11. Will the Schengen area be maintained?
The abolition of border controls between the Member States implicates the commitment to secure the external borders against illegal immigration. Yet, the serious shortcomings in control on external borders have caused a serious threat to public policy and internal security in the Schengen area.
Controls of the internal borders adversely affect the economies whose logistics are based on free border traffic. But all EU citizens have the right to protection of their homeland.
If the EU does not act, it will abolish itself. The British already decided to leave the Union - from now on, this is about containing the damage. A simple majority (51,89 %) was allowed to make a decision of such magnitude. (The EU Treaty requires no qualified majority for a vote on the withdrawal from the European Union.) These Britons are crazy! And certain EU politicians who have broken laws, prevented reforms and infringed rules of propriety, are not blameless ...
A reform of the Dublin System is inevitable.
Frontex secures the external borders in cooperation with the local Governments. All countries control most important crossing points of the internal borders and carry out inspections with mobile units on the traffic routes.
At the same time, determined and speedy work is done for the long-term solution. Safe Zones are set up in the Aegean and in North Africa. And as soon as they are receptive, Frontex gets the mandate for the transfer of asylum seekers.
If the EU does not act, it will abolish itself. The British already decided to leave the Union - from now on, this is about containing the damage. A simple majority (51,89 %) was allowed to make a decision of such magnitude. (The EU Treaty requires no qualified majority for a vote on the withdrawal from the European Union.) These Britons are crazy! And certain EU politicians who have broken laws, prevented reforms and infringed rules of propriety, are not blameless ...
A reform of the Dublin System is inevitable.
Frontex secures the external borders in cooperation with the local Governments. All countries control most important crossing points of the internal borders and carry out inspections with mobile units on the traffic routes.
At the same time, determined and speedy work is done for the long-term solution. Safe Zones are set up in the Aegean and in North Africa. And as soon as they are receptive, Frontex gets the mandate for the transfer of asylum seekers.
For the time being, asylum seekers must apply for asylum in the first EU country they entered. Those who want to apply for asylum in another country do not receive permission to travel (exceptions are based on family law). Those who are not in possession of valid documents must stay at camps in the border region until their identity is clarified (which actually can be a big problem). Economic migrants who are undoubtedly recognized as such have no more right to file an action ...
For the time being, the first receiving countries would be responsible again, but the other countries should provide them much more logistical and financial support. (On the European Council meeting in June 2018, it was only decided that they are relieved on a voluntary basis.) Asylum seekers who are returned should find decent reception. Unaccompanied minors should probably not be returned at all. Exceptions based on family law, however, should only be applied to parents and their minors ...
Keep in mind: If the EU doesn’t come up with a long-term solution in a timely manner and the first receiving countries don’t get enough support, they - sooner or later - will (have to) refuse to receive or take back immigrants ...
Again - because it’s logical but not always understood:
We cannot take in many more "protection seekers".
Either we offer them alternatives.
Or we push them back.
12. How does one decide the conflict of aims in migration policy - reduction of irregular migration and integration of those who have already immigrated?
The most delicate issue is the so-called “lane change”, whereby even rejected asylum seekers are granted a regular residence status, if they are well integrated and have an employment or training relationship.
Germany houses more than six hundred thousand immigrants whose asylum applications have failed (2019). The “lane change” for rejected asylum seekers with job has been possible since 2005. And since 2015, they have the legal claim to a temporary residence. In order to ease labour shortages, the liberalisation of the asylum and immigration law (with pull effect) has been practised for several years. Illegal conditions became legality.
After all, the deportation of well-integrated immigrants is macroeconomic nonsense – and often a human tragedy. One does not want to undo successful efforts for integration ...
But Germany (where about 23 percent of the population have an immigration background) says goodbye to the Culture of Welcome now. Above all, there is a lack of housing space and, increasingly, a lack of acceptance among local residents – in this densely populated county. The Germans have less and less willingness to receive more refugees for humanitarian reasons, and they have less and less hope that the immigration of protection seekers would respond to the nursing crisis or prevent old-age poverty. Their debates are more and more often focused on “asylum shopping”, “reception centres”, “border security” ...
For the time being, the first receiving countries would be responsible again, but the other countries should provide them much more logistical and financial support. (On the European Council meeting in June 2018, it was only decided that they are relieved on a voluntary basis.) Asylum seekers who are returned should find decent reception. Unaccompanied minors should probably not be returned at all. Exceptions based on family law, however, should only be applied to parents and their minors ...
Keep in mind: If the EU doesn’t come up with a long-term solution in a timely manner and the first receiving countries don’t get enough support, they - sooner or later - will (have to) refuse to receive or take back immigrants ...
Again - because it’s logical but not always understood:
We cannot take in many more "protection seekers".
Either we offer them alternatives.
Or we push them back.
12. How does one decide the conflict of aims in migration policy - reduction of irregular migration and integration of those who have already immigrated?
The most delicate issue is the so-called “lane change”, whereby even rejected asylum seekers are granted a regular residence status, if they are well integrated and have an employment or training relationship.
Germany houses more than six hundred thousand immigrants whose asylum applications have failed (2019). The “lane change” for rejected asylum seekers with job has been possible since 2005. And since 2015, they have the legal claim to a temporary residence. In order to ease labour shortages, the liberalisation of the asylum and immigration law (with pull effect) has been practised for several years. Illegal conditions became legality.
After all, the deportation of well-integrated immigrants is macroeconomic nonsense – and often a human tragedy. One does not want to undo successful efforts for integration ...
But Germany (where about 23 percent of the population have an immigration background) says goodbye to the Culture of Welcome now. Above all, there is a lack of housing space and, increasingly, a lack of acceptance among local residents – in this densely populated county. The Germans have less and less willingness to receive more refugees for humanitarian reasons, and they have less and less hope that the immigration of protection seekers would respond to the nursing crisis or prevent old-age poverty. Their debates are more and more often focused on “asylum shopping”, “reception centres”, “border security” ...
Communities that are still receptive should proceed a secret ballot:
Our financial resources are limited. What are we to do?
A. Renovate retirement homes, schools, kindergartens, sports facilities and roads?
B. Or receive more refugees?
Our financial resources are limited. What are we to do?
A. Renovate retirement homes, schools, kindergartens, sports facilities and roads?
B. Or receive more refugees?
The fact is: Around two thirds of the "protection seekers" receive welfare (June 2020). Many of them are neither willing nor capable to better integrate temselves. And some even turn violent ...
The German population is changing the lane now. It has already achieved quite a bit. It will at last honestly say that it has a great deal too much of trouble and adversity with the many immigrants. (The factual maximum upper limit has been passed in 2015).
17 April 2019: German Cabinet decides on new draft of migration law infomigrants.net
And since the situation is similar in the other Member States, this fact must be the basis of the European migration policy.
Only an overall concept that is accepted by the large majority of the European population, however, will ensure the necessary willingness to act. As long as the governing parties don’t have one, they will continue to lose support and have to leave the field to so-called populists.
We should not create new incentives for immigrants who bring us into unpleasant situations. And at the same time, we need more acceptance for refugees and migrants who “make an effort”.
Presumably, a key date regulation is the most sensible way – if the Member States make clear announcements: After a certain date, well-integrated asylum seekers with an employment or training relationship are granted a temporary right of residence. Newcomers may only engage in public-benefit activities until their application for asylum is decided. A “lane change” is no longer possible. Rejected asylum seekers have, instantly and irrevocably, the obligation to leave the country.
The fight against “incentives to flee”, however, is very tedious where there are too many incorrigible people escaping from reality ...
The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly an Regular Migration (GCM) – which reportedly is legally non-binding – is only the co-operation framework of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants that has been adopted by the General Assembly on 19 September 2016. This compact does not need to be binding. It is based on binding legal standards and is therefore international law. Experts in international law like to call it “soft law”, which only develops into international customary law through applications. But from the very first day, one can invoke it ...
With this compact, the migration crises can become the norm!
10 December: UN members adopt global migration pact aljazeera.com
17 December: UN approves compact to support world’s refugees dailymail.co.uk
19 December: German cabinet approves new labour migration law dw.com
7 June 2019: German parliament passes immigration bills thelocal.de
23 September 2020: EU plans tougher controls in migration policy overhaul dw.com
The world surely needs measures to regulate global migration: better development cooperation and fight against human trafficking, discrimination and exploitation ...
The German population is changing the lane now. It has already achieved quite a bit. It will at last honestly say that it has a great deal too much of trouble and adversity with the many immigrants. (The factual maximum upper limit has been passed in 2015).
17 April 2019: German Cabinet decides on new draft of migration law infomigrants.net
And since the situation is similar in the other Member States, this fact must be the basis of the European migration policy.
Only an overall concept that is accepted by the large majority of the European population, however, will ensure the necessary willingness to act. As long as the governing parties don’t have one, they will continue to lose support and have to leave the field to so-called populists.
We should not create new incentives for immigrants who bring us into unpleasant situations. And at the same time, we need more acceptance for refugees and migrants who “make an effort”.
Presumably, a key date regulation is the most sensible way – if the Member States make clear announcements: After a certain date, well-integrated asylum seekers with an employment or training relationship are granted a temporary right of residence. Newcomers may only engage in public-benefit activities until their application for asylum is decided. A “lane change” is no longer possible. Rejected asylum seekers have, instantly and irrevocably, the obligation to leave the country.
The fight against “incentives to flee”, however, is very tedious where there are too many incorrigible people escaping from reality ...
The Global Compact for Safe, Orderly an Regular Migration (GCM) – which reportedly is legally non-binding – is only the co-operation framework of the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants that has been adopted by the General Assembly on 19 September 2016. This compact does not need to be binding. It is based on binding legal standards and is therefore international law. Experts in international law like to call it “soft law”, which only develops into international customary law through applications. But from the very first day, one can invoke it ...
With this compact, the migration crises can become the norm!
10 December: UN members adopt global migration pact aljazeera.com
17 December: UN approves compact to support world’s refugees dailymail.co.uk
19 December: German cabinet approves new labour migration law dw.com
7 June 2019: German parliament passes immigration bills thelocal.de
23 September 2020: EU plans tougher controls in migration policy overhaul dw.com
The world surely needs measures to regulate global migration: better development cooperation and fight against human trafficking, discrimination and exploitation ...
But the Member States should (in accordance with laws and agreements) take sovereign decisions on the allowance of migration. And basically, all refugees are obliged to return to their home country as soon as there is no more ground for asylum.
Asylum is a temporary right of residence!
All states endeavour to deport unwelcome guests. This can be very complicated, even with criminals and radicals, as there are many real and fake obstacles. Voluntary returnees are assisted in their reintegration in the country of origin – once the readmission agreements are negotiated. But many will put up resistance. And there will be bad press and vociferous Protests and violent conflicts ...
A central EU authority responsible for repatriation could negotiate solid agreements and organise deportations on charter flights. For Syrians, however, a safe return is still not possible, even though hostilities ended in many parts of Syria …
We do not want to be blackmailed any longer.
We need Safe Havens for refugees.
At the same time, major reforms are put on the agenda: The millions of young people without vocational qualifications are attracted to training courses. The shortage of skilled employees is met with career development programs. Qualified immigration is regulated by immigration laws. EU citizens have priority (of course). All Member States make greater investments in social housing and sustainable energy provision. The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) becomes more ecological and equitable. Banking is put on a healthy footing. Equal wages for equal work for women and men. Roadmap for Industry 4.0. Appropriate and adequate IT security. From lawns to flower meadows all across Europe ...
The voice of geothermal in Europe: heatunderyourfeet.eu
Misunderstandings should be avoided as possible. All this should not lead to re-nationalisation (and weakening of our competitiveness) but to a strong and effective European Union. The Member States should stand together and fly the flag.
"Fortress Europe" provides protection for the local population and asylum for refugees.
As soon as the external borders are “secure” and the refugees receive protection in the Aegean and in North Africa, only random checks at the traffic routes and event-related controls of the internal borders are required.
Misunderstandings should be avoided as possible. All this should not lead to re-nationalisation (and weakening of our competitiveness) but to a strong and effective European Union. The Member States should stand together and fly the flag.
"Fortress Europe" provides protection for the local population and asylum for refugees.
As soon as the external borders are “secure” and the refugees receive protection in the Aegean and in North Africa, only random checks at the traffic routes and event-related controls of the internal borders are required.
A better coordination of European security services is certainly needed. But the misuse of data will not always be prevented, even with independent supervision. And the trade with fear will bear evil fruits ...*****
We should make our choice for a reasonable solution in good time!
Short and sweet: The Dublin System is reformed. The external borders are secured. Refugees are settled on an Aegean island. EU Safe Zones are established in North Africa. Unwanted migrants are deported to the countries of origin. Peace and development is promoted.
“We’ve heard about it - does not work.
And we know that everything is easier said than done ...”
And we know that everything is easier said than done ...”
We can do it - if we stand up.
More courage!
All the best, happiness and health!
* A work of common sense. But unfortunately, everything became very complicated. In December 2015, the text was still short and concise.
** This is often presented as being without any alternative. But a statesman (like Helmut Schmidt) wouldn’t have let them across the borders without identity checks. The crisis was already there! And if the “protection seekers” would have been prevented in good time from travelling to the Greek mainland .... All responsible politicians (male and female) have failed.
*** Just imagine Turkey becomes EU member: the EU’s external frontier would extend all the way to Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Syria and the so-called Islamic State (which is now largely defeated militarily). The very thought of it is enough to boost all xenophobic powers across Europe. And in case the British need a reason to vote “out of the EU” ...
** This is often presented as being without any alternative. But a statesman (like Helmut Schmidt) wouldn’t have let them across the borders without identity checks. The crisis was already there! And if the “protection seekers” would have been prevented in good time from travelling to the Greek mainland .... All responsible politicians (male and female) have failed.
*** Just imagine Turkey becomes EU member: the EU’s external frontier would extend all the way to Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, Syria and the so-called Islamic State (which is now largely defeated militarily). The very thought of it is enough to boost all xenophobic powers across Europe. And in case the British need a reason to vote “out of the EU” ...
It was an unnecessary mistake to offer Turkey the prospect of membership. Some politicians will still pay greater lip service, and the Turks will make pressure for visa liberalisation. But if it turns out that they demand more than the EU citizens have on offer, there will be trouble.
**** Contrary to an event on the scale of a large volcanic eruption, where an island has to be evacuated as fast as possible, this is a matter of well thought out and organised arrangements.
The basic questions are maybe more problematic: How do we achieve success in the negotiations with the Greek government? How do we get the EU to suspend the austerity policy and establish new contracts? Will one island provide enough space in the long run?
There are also some smaller islands that are privately owned and uninhabited, but we need a long-term solution. Refugees don’t want to reside on small islands. And our Greek friends need a sustainable stimulus package anyway. On 20 August 2018, Greece emerged from its third and last bailout, but the country still has a “long way to go”. 8 July 2019: Greek PM-elect Mitsotakis announced reforms ...
***** The Islamic State (IS or ISIS) is an “apocalyptic cult”. (Barack Obama)
It is largely defeated militarily in Syria and Iraq, but it has already formed colonies and built a Digital Caliphate. And sadly, there are still more jihadist organisations. These unholy warriors will continue to spread terror - sooner or later also with chemical, radiological and biological warfare.
**** Contrary to an event on the scale of a large volcanic eruption, where an island has to be evacuated as fast as possible, this is a matter of well thought out and organised arrangements.
The basic questions are maybe more problematic: How do we achieve success in the negotiations with the Greek government? How do we get the EU to suspend the austerity policy and establish new contracts? Will one island provide enough space in the long run?
***** The Islamic State (IS or ISIS) is an “apocalyptic cult”. (Barack Obama)
It is largely defeated militarily in Syria and Iraq, but it has already formed colonies and built a Digital Caliphate. And sadly, there are still more jihadist organisations. These unholy warriors will continue to spread terror - sooner or later also with chemical, radiological and biological warfare.
Australia’s Pacific Solution (2001) didn’t appear to be sustainable in the long run. Not until 2011, when the Arab Spring more and
more turned into a nightmare, I figured that an Aegean island
could become a safe haven for refugees. And now, I think that I have to
impose myself although the matter is much too big to take
responsibility for. I actually have other priorities, as you can hear and see in the link line at the top: High Culture.
Those who still have a snobbish attitude now, should perhaps know that I’m not only a well-educated, art-loving bourgeois but also a quite diligent field researcher. The fact that I look a bit like Huckleberry Finn has many advantages ...
Those who still have a snobbish attitude now, should perhaps know that I’m not only a well-educated, art-loving bourgeois but also a quite diligent field researcher. The fact that I look a bit like Huckleberry Finn has many advantages ...
I don’t want to concern myself with comments here.
Messages: Email or Follow @Harry_Amon
Don't forget to have a good time!
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Don't forget to have a good time!
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