The Greens/EFA Group today condemned the adoption of the returns directive by the European Parliament. Commenting on the vote Jean Lambert, the London Green Party MEP and Shadow Rapporteur on the directive, said:
"The Greens are very disappointed with the outcome of the vote today. With this directive, irregular migrants can be detained up to 18 months even for reasons beyond their control, such as a lack of cooperation from their country of origin. The Greens maintain three months should be the maximum.
"Furthermore a five-year re-entry ban becomes the rule rather than the exception, preventing many immigrants from seeing their own families in the EU. Let’s not forget that most people illegally residing in Europe initially entered legally but, for example, overstayed their visas. By imposing a blanket re-entry ban rather than considering each case on its merits, things will get worse for people already in a difficult situation.
"Parliament has given a green light to EU member states to also return people to countries of transit, despite the potentially devastating consequences. For example a Congolese person returned to Morocco will most probably be detained or end up with no option but to reside there illegally. This is no solution."
The directive was adopted with 367 votes in favour, 206 against and 109 abstentions. The UK Government has opted out of the directive and will not be covered by its provisions.