“We share the concern about increased smuggling and trafficking, as these phenomena leave hundreds of persons in dependence on criminal organisations,”1
“However, we also recognise that the increase in smuggling and trafficking has taken place parallel to tightening of immigration possibilities and stricter border controls. It should be remembered in this context that even refugees often have to resort to smugglers or traffickers to escape persecution and reach a safe place2. There are reasons to believe that with an opening of immigration possibilities less people would be forced to choose these ways as their last means to enter the EU.”2
“We regard the total exclusion of regularisation procedures when the communication states that "Illegal entry or residence should not lead to the desired stable form of residence" as unrealistic and not helpful...most offences and crimes have a limitation period. We believe that this principle has a sound basis and should be valid for illegal entry and residence as well. It is difficult to understand that some crimes can only be punished for a certain period, but illegal entry or residence should remain a lifelong burden, even if a person has successfully integrated and been working in a country for several years and has more family and other personal ties in this society than in the country of origin”3
“visa requirements ought to be defined in a way that people can actually meet them and enable people to travel and visit friends and family in European countries. If financial guarantees are requested which cannot be met with an ordinary income, they are understood as a barrier which hinders normal exchange and forces people to circumvent existing regulations.”4
“The majority of irregular migrants are neither criminals nor eager to benefit from the social system. Instead, they look for employment and work under unprotected conditions, many in rural and agricultural sectors, providing domestic cleaning and care services, as well as employing their skills on building and constructions sites, in restaurant and hotel services etc. The society and the economy of the EU member states benefit, but of course they also face the negative side, that no taxes and social contributions are paid.”5
“the Churches' recognition of migration as a twofold right, to leave one’s country and to look for better conditions of life in another country. We are aware that an entirely “open door policy” is not conceivable and, certainly, migration (policy) will not solve the challenges of global imbalance. Nevertheless, the exercise of such a right needs to be seen in the context of the global common good and justice, and not only in the context of control and limitation measures”6
1 Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe, “Comments on the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament On a Common Policy on Illegal Immigration (COM (2001) 671 final of 22 November 2001 and on the Proposal for a comprehensive plan to combat illegal immigration and trafficking of human beings in the European Union as adopted on 28th February Presented by the Presidency to the Council of the European Union (Document ST 6621/1/02 REV 1)”Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe Homepage available online at www.ccme.be [Accessed September 10 2008] 2.
2 Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe, “Comments on the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament On a Common Policy on Illegal Immigration (COM (2001) 671 final of 22 November 2001 and on the Proposal for a comprehensive plan to combat illegal immigration and trafficking of human beings in the European Union as adopted on 28th February Presented by the Presidency to the Council of the European Union (Document ST 6621/1/02 REV 1)”Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe Homepage available online at www.ccme.be [Accessed September 10 2008] 2.
3Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe, “Comments on the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament On a Common Policy on Illegal Immigration (COM (2001) 671 final of 22 November 2001 and on the Proposal for a comprehensive plan to combat illegal immigration and trafficking of human beings in the European Union as adopted on 28th February Presented by the Presidency to the Council of the European Union (Document ST 6621/1/02 REV 1)”Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe Homepage available online at www.ccme.be [Accessed September 10 2008] 3.
4Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe, “Comments on the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament On a Common Policy on Illegal Immigration (COM (2001) 671 final of 22 November 2001 and on the Proposal for a comprehensive plan to combat illegal immigration and trafficking of human beings in the European Union as adopted on 28th February Presented by the Presidency to the Council of the European Union (Document ST 6621/1/02 REV 1)”Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe Homepage available online at www.ccme.be [Accessed September 10 2008] 3.
5Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe, “Comments on the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament On a Common Policy on Illegal Immigration (COM (2001) 671 final of 22 November 2001 and on the Proposal for a comprehensive plan to combat illegal immigration and trafficking of human beings in the European Union as adopted on 28th February Presented by the Presidency to the Council of the European Union (Document ST 6621/1/02 REV 1)”Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe Homepage available online at www.ccme.be [Accessed September 10 2008] 5.
6Churches’ Commission for Migrants in Europe, “Comments on the Communication from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament On a Common Policy on Illegal Immigration (COM (2001) 671 final of 22 November 2001 and on the Proposal for a comprehensive plan to combat illegal immigration and trafficking of human beings in the European Union as adopted on 28th February Presented by the Presidency to the Council of the European Union (Document ST 6621/1/02 REV 1)”Churches Commission for Migrants in Europe Homepage available online at www.ccme.be [Accessed September 10 2008] 6.
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