Alternative to return policies: Policy Brief

This Policy Brief formulates policy suggestions for EU+ countries hosting large numbers of irregular migrants, focusing on a particular sphere where no return occurs, and irregularity persists. In formulating these policy recommendations, three aspects were taken into account. First, each recommendation considers mutual benefit. That is, in every formulation and proposal, consideration is given to how policies can be mutually beneficial to irregular migrants as well as to the societies that host them. Second, each suggestion pays attention to the fluidity of migrants’ status and the importance of status sustainability. Third, we took into consideration the aspect of vulnerability since some irregular migrants are more vulnerable and exposed to exploitation than others. In these cases, we suggest target-specific policies and practices.