On Wednesday 21 September, the committee of EU28 permanent representatives (COREPER) endorsed without debate the European Commission’s plan to enter negotiations with Nigeria on a readmission agreement for immigrants who entered the EU illegally. EU interior ministers are due to formally endorse the decision in the near future.
On 11 May 2016, t6he European Commission suggested entering talks with Nigeria, explaining that the agreement will aid to ensure that the identification and return to Nigeria for Nigerians who do not have the right to remain in the European Union is rapid and efficient. The agreement will respect human rights and ensure that the EU’s and Nigeria’s obligations under international law, such as the Geneva Convention, are fully respected.
In the EU action plan on returns of 9 September 2015, the European Commission pledged to enter new talks on readmission agreements with a number of the most important countries of origin. The Commission has so far signed 17 readmission agreements and is in talks with some 20 countries. In 2015, according to figures from the International Migration Organisation (IMO), Nigeria was the main country of origin for immigrants arriving in the EU via the coastline of Italy, followed by Eritrea, whose nationals are usually granted refugee status. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)