Brussels, 23/04/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 22 April, the European Parliament recommended that the European Union should have a strengthened common immigration policy that shows consideration to migrants. The own-initiative report by Simon Gusuttil (EPP-ED, Malta), adopted by a large majority (485 to 110 and 19 abstentions) recognises the importance of legal immigration in the context of an ageing population in Europe and a depleted work force. MEPs urge member states to tackle problems caused by illegal immigration together and also suggest that migrants' rights be reinforced, allowing them to vote during local elections.
MEPs recognise that a common immigration strategy in the EU has become essential in an area without internal border controls. Migration towards Europe will continue as long as the major inequalities between Europe and the other regions of the world persist, and it is fundamental that the Union remain a welcoming environment for all those who obtain the right to stay there, they stressed. Concerned by the brain drain, they call on member states to abstain from recruiting workers in the health and education sectors, in countries that already suffer from a labour shortage. They also regret that, to date, the legal common immigration policy has remained too limited, but welcome the new legislative instruments adopted in this field.
On the subject of integration, MEPs consider that immigrants from third countries should be able to benefit from the right to mobility within the EU, after a legal five-year period of residence in a member state. It is essential, they add, to give migrants the possibility of democratic participation by granting them the right of vote in local elections. An alternative resolution submitted by the EPP-ED Group, with a view to doing away with the reference to migrants' right of vote during local elections, was rejected by 262 votes to 344 and 23 abstentions.
MEPs call for measures to be taken as a matter of urgency to put an end to the human tragedies on southern borders once and for all, and call for dialogue and cooperation to be stepped up with the would-be immigrants' countries of origin. They welcomed the Commission's initiative proposing revision of the Frontex mandate and consider it is urgent to strengthen this agency. In their view, Frontex should acquire its own equipment and be upgraded to become the EU coast guard, without, however, undermining member states' prerogatives. Finally, MEPs point out that illegal migrants must be under an obligation to leave Union territory. With reference to adoption of the returns directive, MEPs call on member states - in the context of transposition of the directive - to ensure that the more favourable provisions already set out in national bodies of law are safeguarded. (B.C./transl.jl)