The handbook is the second joint publication of this kind following a first handbook on non-discrimination issued in 2011. It is based on the case law of the European Court of Human Rights and the European Court of Justice as well as on the relevant EU regulations and directives. It is also a first point of reference on the European Social Charter (ESC) and other instruments of the Council of Europe.

The handbook covers a broad variety of topics, structured in the following nine chapters:

• Access to the territory and to procedures
• Status and associated documentation
• Asylum determination and barriers to removal
• Procedural safeguards and legal support in asylum and return cases
• Private and family life and the right to marry
• Detention and restrictions on the freedom of movement
• Forced returns and manner of removal
• Economic and social rights
• Persons with specific needs

It is designed to assist legal practitioners at national and European level, including lawyers, judges, prosecutors, border guards, immigration officials and others working with national authorities, as well as non-governmental organisations and other bodies that may be confronted with legal questions in any of the areas the handbook sets out to cover.

Please find the FRA Handbook here.