In the context of the current migratory crisis, the question of the return - either voluntary or forced - of those who have no legal right to stay in Europe is highly relevant at both the EU and national level. In this framework, the conference of the Belgian Contact Point of the EMN gathered experts from various organisations (from the EU, Belgium and other European States) in order to discuss the good practices and challenges linked to the return process, with a specific focus on vulnerable migrants.

The presentations and discussions addressed various aspects of the return issue:

• The introductory presentations provided information on the latest developments regarding the European and Belgian return policies, which aim at increasing the efficiency of the system to return irregular migrants while also ensuring that the rights of the persons concerned are fully respected and that the specific needs of vulnerable returnees are taken into account.

• The first panel examined the question of how to inform irregular migrants - including those who are not in contact with the authorities - about voluntary return. The results of the recently published EMN study dedicated to this topic were presented, as well as the preliminary results of a research project led by the KU Leuven on the way irregular migrants and social workers perceive voluntary return. The discussion focused on identifying the good practices and challenges linked to the different communication tools used (e.g. leaflets, posters, websites), the content of the information products (e.g. factual or emotive), the actors involved in disseminating information (e.g. governmental and/or NGOs), etc.

• During the second half of the event, speakers and participants discussed how to take vulnerability into account in the (voluntary and forced) return process. This discussion was based on practical examples from organisations working with returnees and presentations on (voluntary) return projects implemented by different actors. Participants shared their thoughts on the definition of vulnerability, how to ensure a dignified and sustainable return for vulnerable migrants, what makes reintegration successful and how to monitor it, as well as the issue of forced return and vulnerability. 

For further information, please have a look at the report of the conference, which summarizes the presentations and the main points of discussions. All the presentations of the conference are also available below.

The photos of the conference are also available here.