Asylum

Asylum, migration and borders

The migrant crisis has triggered challenges across Europe. FRA encourages rights-compliant responses.

We provide practical expertise on this complex issue. This includes regular updates, focus papers and toolkits. We outline policy alternatives and best practices.

EU Charter of Fundamental Rights

Highlights

  • Handbook / Guide / Manual
    1
    August
    2024

    ​Six points for workplace inspectors – EU law safeguards for non-EU workers ​

    Migrant workers are particularly at risk of labour exploitation. Workplace inspectors play a role in protecting non-EU workers' rights. This report guides inspectors to identify abuse and protect migrant workers. In autumn 2024, FRA will publish a manual with extensive resources to support workplace inspectors.
    Read news item
    Download training manual
  • Report / Paper / Summary
    30
    July
    2024

    Guidance on investigating alleged ill-treatment at borders

    Fundamental rights violations on the EU’s land and sea borders often go unreported. Investigations into these violations need to be more effective. This report gathers examples of alleged rights violations of migrants and refugees between 2020 and 2023. It sets out 10 steps to promote prompt and effective national investigations into incidents of ill-treatment at borders.
    Read news item
  • Periodic updates / Series
    1
    July
    2024

    Search and rescue operations and fundamental rights - June 2024 update

    The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights regularly collects data on the operations of NGO vessels involved in search and rescue in the Mediterranean. This includes any legal proceedings against them, as well as any difficulties in disembarking migrants in safe ports. This paper provides an overview of criminal investigations and other legal proceedings initiated by European Union (EU) Member States against civil society organisations deploying search and rescue vessels and aircraft in the Mediterranean and/or against individual crew members. The latest update covers the period from 2018 up until the end of May 2024.
    Read news item
  • Handbook / Guide / Manual
    17
    December
    2020

    Handbook on European law relating to asylum, borders and immigration - Edition 2020

    The European Convention on Human Rights and European Union law provide an increasingly important framework for the protection of the rights of foreigners. European Union legislation relating to asylum, borders and immigration is developing fast. There is an impressive body of case law by the European Court of Human Rights relating in particular to Articles 3, 5, 8 and 13 of the ECHR. The Court of Justice of the European Union is increasingly asked to pronounce on the interpretation of European Union law provisions in this field. The third edition of this handbook, updated up to July 2020, presents this European Union legislation and the body of case law by the two European courts in an accessible way.
Products
Fundamental Rights Report
Children, youth and older people
Asylum, migration and borders
Roma
Hate crime
People with disabilities
Sex, sexual orientation and gender
Sex, sexual orientation and gender
Data protection, privacy and new technologies
Justice, victims’ rights and judicial cooperation
30
May
2017

Fundamental Rights Report 2017 - FRA opinions

Diverse efforts at both EU and national levels sought to bolster fundamental rights protection in 2016, while some measures threatened to undermine such protection.
Fundamental Rights Report
Asylum, migration and borders
Data protection, privacy and new technologies
Roma
Sex, sexual orientation and gender
Children, youth and older people
Hate crime
People with disabilities
Sex, sexual orientation and gender
Justice, victims’ rights and judicial cooperation
30
May
2017

Fundamental Rights Report 2017

Diverse efforts at both EU and national levels sought to bolster fundamental rights protection in 2016, while some measures threatened to undermine such protection.
Fundamental Rights Report
Sex, sexual orientation and gender
Roma
Data protection, privacy and new technologies
Asylum, migration and borders
Children, youth and older people
29
May
2017

Between promise and delivery: 10 years of fundamental rights in the EU

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights. Such a milestone offers an opportunity for reflection – both on the progress that provides cause for celebration and on the lingering shortcomings that must be addressed.
Report / Paper / Summary
Child protection
Asylum, migration and borders
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
Children, youth and older people
19
May
2017

Current migration situation in the EU: Education

This report assesses asylum seekers’ and refugees’ opportunities to access early
childhood education and primary, secondary and tertiary education and training.
It identifies measures available for their support, as well as possible areas for
improvement.
Report / Paper / Summary
Asylum, migration and borders
7
April
2017

Fundamental rights of migrants in an irregular situation who are not removed

This note draws on past FRA materials on the fundamental rights of migrants in an irregular situation who cannot be removed. It draws attention to the obligation of EU Member States to provide them with a certification of postponement of removal and to grant them access to core fundamental rights.
Report / Paper / Summary
Access to asylum
Asylum, migration and borders
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
Sex, sexual orientation and gender
24
March
2017

Current migration situation in the EU: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex asylum seekers

This report reviews how asylum claims based on sexual
orientation and gender identity are assessed and analyses the existence of
specific reception measures for LGBTI persons.
Video
Asylum, migration and borders
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
Legal migration and integration

Together in the EU

Miltos Pavlou, Senior Programme Manager at the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, talks about the participation of migrants and their descendants in the EU.
Report / Paper / Summary
Legal migration and integration
Asylum, migration and borders
15
March
2017

Together in the EU - Promoting the participation of migrants and their descendants

Integrating migrants, refugees and their descendants is of critical importance for the future of the European Union. This report examines Member States’ integration policies and action plans for promoting their participation in society, focusing on non-discrimination, education, employment, language learning and political engagement.
Infographic
Asylum, migration and borders

Together in the EU infographic

This infographic illustrates some of the main issues when it comes to integrating migrants and their descendants in the EU.
Report / Paper / Summary
Asylum, migration and borders
24
February
2017

Current migration situation in the EU: Torture, trauma and its possible impact on drug use

This report looks at the prevalence of torture
and trauma among arrivals, as well as its impact in terms of drug use. It also
discusses the support available to victims.
Video
Data protection, privacy and new technologies
Asylum, migration and borders
Equality, non-discrimination and racism

FRA exchanges views with MEPs on the Agency priorities for 2017

The Agency’s Director, Michael O’Flaherty, took part in a meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) on 9 February.
Opinion
Child protection
Asylum, migration and borders
Borders and information systems
Data protection, privacy and new technologies
Borders and information systems
Children, youth and older people
25
January
2017

The impact of the proposal for a revised Eurodac Regulation on fundamental rights

The European Parliament asked the Agency to provide its Opinion on the fundamental rights impact of the proposed revision of the Eurodac Regulation on children.
Periodic updates / Series
Asylum, migration and borders
19
January
2017

Regular overviews of migration-related fundamental rights concerns - 2017

In view of the increasing numbers of refugees, asylum seekers and migrants entering the EU, the European Commission asked FRA to collect data about the fundamental rights situation of people arriving in those Member States that have been particularly affected by large migration movements. The countries covered are Austria, Bulgaria, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden.
Report / Paper / Summary
Child protection
Asylum, migration and borders
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
Children, youth and older people
20
December
2016

Current migration situation in the EU: separated children

This focus section outlines the specific protection needs of separated children, and highlights current responses and promising practices among EU Member States.
Opinion
Child protection
Asylum, migration and borders
Access to asylum
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
Children, youth and older people
8
December
2016

FRA Opinion on the impact on children of the proposal for a revised Dublin Regulation

This opinion analyses the effects on children of the proposed recast Dublin Regulation. It covers child-specific rules as well as provisions relating to all asylum applicants that significantly affect children.
Page
Asylum, migration and borders

FRA work in the 'hotspots'

‘Hotspots’ are facilities set up at the EU’s external border in Greece and Italy for the initial reception, identification and registration of asylum seekers and other migrants coming to the EU by sea. They also serve to channel newly-arrived people into international protection, return or other procedures.
Download FRA Opinions on hotspots
Download guidance for initial-reception facilities
Report / Paper / Summary
Borders and information systems
Asylum, migration and borders
Access to asylum
Borders and information systems
Data protection, privacy and new technologies
Borders and information systems
5
December
2016

Scope of the principle of non-refoulement in contemporary border management: evolving areas of law

EU Member States are increasingly involved in border management activities on the high seas, within – or i cooperation with – third countries, and at the EU’s borders. Such activities entail risks of violating the principle of non-refoulement, the cornerstone of the international legal regime for the protection of refugees, which prohibits returning individuals to a risk of persecution. This report aims to encourage fundamental-rights compliant approaches to border management, including by highlighting potential grey areas.
Handbook / Guide / Manual
Borders and information systems
Asylum, migration and borders
Access to asylum
Borders and information systems
Data protection, privacy and new technologies
5
December
2016

Guidance on how to reduce the risk of refoulement in external border management when working in or together with third countries

EU Member States are increasingly involved in border management activities on the high seas, within – or in cooperation with – third countries, and at the EU’s borders. Such activities entail risks of violating the principle of non-refoulement, the cornerstone of the international legal regime for the protection of refugees, which prohibits returning individuals to a risk of persecution. This guidance outlines specific suggestions on how to reduce the risk of refoulement in these situations – a practical tool developed with the input of experts during a meeting held in Vienna in March of 2016.
Opinion
Access to asylum
Asylum, migration and borders
Child protection
29
November
2016

FRA Opinion on fundamental rights in the 'hotspots' set up in Greece and Italy

Without being exhaustive, this opinion discusses selected topics which touch certain Charter rights, identifying the challenges and describing measures that could be taken to mitigate the risk of actions, which are not compliant with the Charter. It does not focus exclusively on risks arising in direct relation to the involvement of EU actors on the ground, but also takes into account that the hotspot approach entails a certain share of responsibility of the EU for the situation in the hotspots overall.
Report / Paper / Summary
Asylum, migration and borders
Hate crime
22
November
2016

Current migration situation in the EU: hate crime

Asylum seekers and migrants face various forms of violence and harassment across the European Union (EU). As this month’s report on the migration situation underscores, such acts are both perpetrated and condoned by state authorities, private individuals, as well as vigilante groups. They increasingly also target activists and politicians perceived as ‘pro-refugee’.
Airplane taking off
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Irregular migration, return and immigration detention

Forced return monitoring across the EU – state of play

Each year, FRA provides an update of its overview of forced return monitoring systems across the EU. The 2021 overview is now online.
Visit overview
Justice and Home Affairs Agencies Network
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders

EU Justice and Home Affairs agencies present concrete actions in support of Ukraine

The European Union agencies active in the field of justice and home affairs issue a joint paper on their contribution to the EU’s solidarity with Ukraine.
Download Joint Paper
Ukrainian family at a reception centre
Press Release
Asylum, migration and borders

New FRA survey to capture the experiences of people fleeing the war in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has forced millions of people to seek safety in neighbouring EU countries. How were they treated? What needs to improve? A new survey from the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) seeks to find answers. The findings will guide its advice to the EU and host countries as they finetune their support.
Take the survey
People on either side of the Ukrainian flag
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders

How do EU countries apply the EU Temporary Protection Directive?

FRA compiled an overview of key aspects of national laws implementing the EU Temporary Protection Directive in nine EU Member States.
Read country information
Download bulletin 1
Lifejackets
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Borders and information systems

Migrant search and rescue in the Mediterranean updated

Since January, on average five people died per day crossing the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe. On World Refugee Day 2022, the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights underlines the struggles civil society continues to face rescuing people in distress in the Mediterranean Sea.
Access tables on search and rescue operations
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders

FRA Director at Frontex Management Board meeting

FRA’s Director attended the Frontex Management Board meeting in Paris on 7 June.
Woman removing a facemask
Press Release
Asylum, migration and borders
Data protection, privacy and new technologies
Equality, non-discrimination and racism
Justice, victims’ rights and judicial cooperation
Support for human rights systems and defenders

Fostering social rights: key to EU recovery from Covid-19

The pandemic triggered unprecedented EU financial support to counter the social impact of Covid-19. Many people in the EU, especially vulnerable people, faced reduced access to healthcare, childcare, education and the internet. This has led to excess mortality, poverty, unemployment and social exclusion. FRA’s Fundamental Rights Report 2022 outlines the pandemic’s wide-ranging impact on social rights. It also suggests how to address increasing inequalities and threats to societal cohesion.
Download full report
Download opinions
Download focus chapter
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Access to asylum
Borders and information systems
Child protection
Irregular migration, return and immigration detention
Legal migration and integration
Trafficking and labour exploitation

FRA joins CEPS IdeasLab discussions

FRA presented observations from its first Ukraine Bulletin and missions to the EU’s external borders with Ukraine at the annual CEPS Conference.
Visit the event site
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Sex, sexual orientation and gender

Gender-based violence in the context of Ukraine

The European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) organised a meeting to discuss the coordination and response to gender-based violence.
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Child protection
Children, youth and older people

Caring for unaccompanied and separated children from Ukraine

FRA moderated a session at a European Commission meeting on care and guardianship for unaccompanied children from Ukraine.
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Access to asylum
Irregular migration, return and immigration detention
Legal migration and integration

FRA co-hosts expert panel for asylum judges

The EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA) and FRA held an expert panel to discuss fundamental rights issues when accessing asylum procedures at the EU external borders.
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Child protection
Children, youth and older people

The European Guardianship network meets

The European Guardianship Network held a meeting from 17 to 18 May to discuss the response to the Ukrainian crisis, training guardians, and the network’s standards and principles.
Watercolor of people fleeing Ukraine
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Access to asylum
Borders and information systems
Child protection
Legal migration and integration

The war in Ukraine – Fundamental rights implications within the EU

EU countries are welcoming and supporting unprecedented numbers of people fleeing the war in Ukraine. It has serious implications for many fundamental rights within the EU and requires Member States to find sustainable solutions, as the first Ukraine bulletin from the EU Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) shows.
Download the bulletin
Watch video: Children fleeing Ukraine
EU Temporary Protection Directive implementation
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Borders and information systems

Frontex Consultative Forum on fundamental rights

The Frontex Consultative Forum on fundamental rights took place on 12 May in Warsaw.
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Borders and information systems

Fundamental rights safeguards in EU Entry/Exit systems

FRA highlighted fundamental rights safeguards in the EU’s Entry-Exit system during a training course on 26 and 28 April.
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Borders and information systems

FRA takes part in borders and ID conference

FRA took part in the conference ID@Borders & Future of Travel Conference 2022.
Visit the event site
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Trafficking and labour exploitation

OSCE Conference of the Alliance against Human Trafficking

FRA moderated a panel discussion on 5 April at the OSCE Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons.
Visit event site
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders

Advisory Board to E-Mindful migration narratives project meets

FRA took part in a meeting of the Advisory Board of the E-Mindful project on migration narratives.
Visit the project site
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Access to asylum

EU Asylum Agency’s Training Reference group outlines plans

FRA attended the online meeting of the EU Asylum Agency’s Training reference group on 29 March.
People at Ukrainian border crossing
News Item
Asylum, migration and borders
Child protection
Legal migration and integration
Children, youth and older people
Hate crime
Roma

What are the key fundamental rights risks at the EU-Ukraine borders?

High danger of human trafficking, concerns about discrimination and racism, and overreliance on volunteers. These are some of the key fundamental rights issues the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA) identified at the EU border check points with Ukraine. While FRA witnessed overwhelming support to everyone fleeing the conflict, the Agency stresses the need to stay vigilant and address arising issues to ensure people’s rights are upheld.
View the EU-Ukraine border report
Watch the video from field visits