Forced return monitoring systems - 2022 update

All EU Member States have some form of return monitoring by law. But in practice, gaps persist and independent oversight can remain an issue; for example, if the main monitoring entity is closely connected to the authority responsible for returns. Without sufficient separation between the two, a monitoring system may not be considered entirely effective. In some EU Member States, only very few operations are monitored or the monitoring is limited to the pre-return phase and does not cover in-flight and arrival phases of return. These are equally essential. Developments over the years also show that the implementation of national monitoring systems is not linear. Particularly where it is project-based or based on a temporary agreement between the authority and the monitoring entity, an adequate forced return monitoring system may be in place but gaps re-emerge when the funding ends. Also in 2021, the Covid-19 pandemic continued to considerably affect the number of returns in the EU. Consequently, return monitoring figures remained low in 2021.

The table below compares developments in EU Member States. The overview does not cover the pool of forced return monitors operating under the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, Frontex.