The UK also recently signed a tripartite agreement with Afghanistan and UNHCR. The agreements set out the detailed framework for the voluntary repatriation of Afghans living in the UK, to Afghanistan, and for their reintegration there. The agreement aims to ensure that Afghans with international protection needs continue to receive such protection.

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The UK has recently made an international agreement with France following the disputes surrounding the Sangatte refugee camp, from which migrants were travelling through the Eurotunnel to the UK. Sangatte was closed in December 2002, around 1,000 Iraqi Kurds were brought to the UK on work visas, and around 200 Afghans with strong family links in the UK were also admitted from the camp. The UK reached an agreement with France that irregular migrants could be intercepted by British immigration officers, and using detection equipment, on French territory before attempting to enter the UK. Both countries also agreed to work towards a formal legal agreements allowing the UK to operate full border controls in Calais.

The UK also recently signed a tripartite agreement with Afghanistan and UNHCR. The agreements set out the detailed framework for the voluntary repatriation of Afghans living in the UK, to Afghanistan, and for their reintegration there. The agreement aims to ensure that Afghans with international protection needs continue to receive such protection. UNHCR is tasked with providing information and counselling to Afghans in the UK, in order that their decision to repatriate is taken with knowledge of the relevant facts, and monitoring the voluntariness of repatriation and other elements of the agreement. Afghans without protection needs may also be returned under the agreement in a phased, humane and orderly manner, such returns began to take place in April 2003. The UK has responsibility under the agreement for travel costs and medical examinations and vaccines before departure. The Afghan Administration is committed to readmitting its nationals and recognising changes in their legal status. The three signatories have pledged to safeguard family unity and protect vulnerable groups for whom special safeguards are included in the agreement. France and the Netherlands have also signed similar tripartite agreements.

The UK is party to European Union readmission agreements with Hong Kong, Sri Lanka and Macao which facilitate the return of irregular migrants to these countries who are nationals, have entered or stayed on the territory of those countries, and to facilitate transit through those countries. There are also plans to make bilateral agreements with Eastern European countries for the return of irregular migrants.

Analysis provided by: Anisa Niaz LLM (Public Law), United Kingdom.

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