the Mediterranean Sea (e.g. Greece, Italy and Spain) who have become the main gateway for migrants fleeing from African and Asian countries. While these moves initially saw a reduction in the number of migrants entering the EU, civil war in countries such as Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq has once again put enormous pressure on EU borders.
The Schengen Agreement
The Schengen Agreement (1995) allowed for the free movement of people between most member states of the EU. Since this agreement was implemented, the EU has aimed to develop a set of common laws to regulate the levels of immigration and asylum seekers entering the EU. Ireland is one of only six EU member states who are not part of the Schengen Agreement. The justification for these laws are that they: l
Prevent the readmission of immigrants already refused by another EU member state
l
Make it more straightforward for immigrants to obtain work permits and residency in the EU
l l Share the responsibility of migration among all EU member states
Help to prevent illegal immigration and fight against human trafficking of migrants into Europe for the purposes of slave labour or prostitution.
The EU Blue Card
In 2011 the EU Blue Card was introduced. It gives work permits and residency to non-EU migrants. In order to qualify for the card, the migrant must be offered a salary 1.5 times the EU average in their host country. By putting such a demand on migrants who wish to obtain the card, the EU hopes it will attract migrants with the right skills when they are needed.
Concerns Regarding Common EU Migration Policy
Although the common EU migration policy is seen as a positive move in safeguarding the EU from being flooded with migrants they cannot support, many argue that it creates a ‘Fortress Europe’ which makes it extremely difficult for migrants to enter the EU. In turn, many fear that this will lead to xenophobic attitudes towards migrants as immigration laws are tightened. Some people believe this fear is well founded, given the increased popularity of far-right political parties who wish to reduce immigration in their countries. Laws now allow authorities to fine or imprison illegal immigrants and further punish those who provide them with shelter or other forms of assistance.
Another concern is the loss of sovereignty as more power is given to the EU regarding the migration laws of individual states. It is important that any future common policy is both cautious towards the safety of the EU and also humane towards potential immigrants.
GEO DICTIONARY
Fortress Europe: an unofficial term used to describe the increasing difficulty for migrants to enter EU states
Far-right political parties: political parties that are extremely nationalist and anti- immigration in outlook and that oppose social democracy
: Fig. 3.14 A migrant boat is intercepted in the Mediterranean by the Italian coastguard.
MIGRATION
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Elective 5: Human CHAPTER 3
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