Irregular migration and return

The European Commission works closely with Member States and EU agencies, international partners, and other stakeholders to address irregular migration and ensure the dignified return of those who are not eligible to stay in the EU.  

Irregular migration

Irregular arrivals of migrants at the EU’s external borders pose challenges for the EU’s asylum and migration management system, for Member States at the external border and, through secondary movements, all Member States. The Pact on Migration and Asylum introduced improvements to the EU asylum and migration system to address this challenge. 

Irregular migrants crossing EU borders illegally are subject to screening and have their details recorded in a common EU database (Eurodac). Those unlikely to receive international protection, who mislead authorities or pose a security threat will remain at the border area while their applications are processed under the asylum border procedure, which lasts a maximum of 12 weeks under normal circumstances, including the possibility to appeal. Applicants whose applications are rejected are then transferred to the return border procedure, which lasts a maximum of 12 weeks, with a view to swiftly returning those with no right to remain. Throughout the asylum and return border procedures, migrants must stay in facilities in the border area. Member States have various measures at their disposal to ensure that migrants do not abscond, including detention and alternatives to detention. 

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The Commission also takes a whole-of-route approach to tackling irregular migration, as outlined in the European Strategy on Asylum and Migration Management. 

Moreover, 90% of people entering the EU illegally do so using services provided by criminal groups and smuggling networks that put peoples’ lives at risk in the desert and on the seas, strip people of their dignity in the pursuit of profit and violate fundamental rights. Countering migrant smuggling remains an EU priority.  

Return and readmission

Return and readmission are essential elements of a comprehensive approach to migration.  A firm and fair return policy is crucial for ensuring that EU countries are effective in returning non-EU nationals with no right to stay in the EU and for disincentivising illegal arrivals. This strengthens citizens’ trust in the EU’s capacity to manage migration. A functional Schengen area without internal border controls requires a well-functioning return and readmission system.   

Since applications for international protection are processed more quickly and more efficiently, returns need to promptly follow decisions to reject applications. The Return Regulation, proposed by the Commission in March 2025, with political agreement between the European Parliament and the Council on 1 June 2026, aims to achieve this, with clear, simplified and common rules for managing returns effectively both at borders and within the EU. 

Enhanced cooperation with non-EU countries on readmission is necessary to increase the efficiency of readmission procedures and, ultimately, to boost effective returns. Readmission is also a central focus of the European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy, which also sets out how to promote comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnerships, using incentives and leverage across sectors and policy areas, such as visa policy, trade and financial support. Improved cooperation on readmission remains a key priority of the EU’s migration diplomacy.  

Useful documents and links 

Pact on Migration and Asylum 

European Asylum and Migration Management Strategy 

Commission welcomes political agreement on the Return Regulation 

2023 Communication establishing the multiannual strategic policy for European integrated border management