Understanding the difference between return, relocation, transfer, and readmission

On 11 March, the Commission proposed a Common European System for Returns, a new legal framework aimed at streamlining return procedures across the European Union. This framework complements the Pact on Migration and Asylum adopted last year. But what do the terms "return," "relocation," "transfer," and "readmission" mean in the context of migration and asylum?

• Return refers to the movement of a person from a host country back to their country of origin, nationality, or usual residence, usually after a significant period of time. This can be voluntary or forced, assisted or spontaneous.
• Relocation, in the EU context, involves transferring individuals with refugee status or subsidiary protection status from one EU Member State to another, where they will receive similar protection. This also applies to those who have applied for international protection and are being transferred to another EU Member State for examination.
• Transfer, as defined by the Dublin Regulation, refers to the process of an EU Member State requesting the transfer of an applicant for international protection to another EU Member State responsible for examining their application.
• Readmission is the action by which a state accepts the re-entry of an individual, who can be a national, a third-country national, or a stateless person. 

For a more comprehensive understanding of these terms, check the EMN Asylum and Migration Glossary which is a valuable online resource. This glossary provides a common understanding and use of terms and definitions related to asylum and migration in Europe, drawing on EU legislation and making terms available in most EU Member States' languages.