UK must take back refugees despite Brexit: ECJ
January 23, 2019
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) on Wednesday ruled that British authorities must accept asylum seekers who entered the EU via the UK for the period in which it is a member, even though it has announced its intention to leave the bloc.
The ruling is an affirmation of asylum procedures in Europe under the so-called Dublin rules, which gives EU member states the right to deport asylum seekers to their point of entry in the bloc.
What the ruling says:
- "A Member State that has given notice of its intention to withdraw from the EU … remains the responsible State for the purposes of the Dublin III Regulation"
- Triggering Article 50, which started Brexit proceedings, "does not have the effect of suspending the application of EU law in that Member State"
- "Consequently, that law continues in full force and effect in that Member State until the time of its actual withdrawal from the EU"
Read more: Refugee children facing violence at EU borders
What happened?
A couple traveled to Ireland with their child after their UK visa expired and applied for asylum there. However, under Dublin rules, Ireland sought to return them to the first country through which they entered the EU, namely the UK.
With Brexit looming, Irish authorities went to the ECJ to determine how the UK's departure would affect asylum procedures, especially as they concern Dublin rules.
Read more: At Irish border, Brexit evokes history of violence
What does this mean for the UK?
The ruling reaffirms the UK's responsibility for the period in which it is an EU member state.
Despite launching withdrawal proceedings, British authorities continue to be responsible for taking back asylum seekers who first entered the EU through the UK and later went on to apply for protection in another member states.
Read more: How the EU's resettlement plan is failing to meet its goal