Greece and Turkey Bilateral Readmission Agreement: What You Need to Know
In March 2021, Greece and Turkey signed a bilateral readmission agreement, which allows the two countries to return irregular migrants who have entered their territory illegally. This agreement aims to tackle the issue of irregular migration, a significant concern for both countries.
What is the Greece-Turkey Bilateral Readmission Agreement?
The Greece-Turkey bilateral readmission agreement is a treaty between Greece and Turkey that allows for the return of irregular migrants who have entered either country illegally. Under this agreement, Greece can return migrants who have crossed the land or sea borders from Turkey into Greece, and Turkey can return migrants who have crossed from Greece into Turkey.
The agreement applies to all migrants who are not given permission to enter either country, including those who have applied for asylum but have been rejected. It also covers migrants who have been denied entry for national security or public health reasons.
Why is this Agreement Important?
The Greece-Turkey bilateral readmission agreement is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it helps to tackle the issue of irregular migration by providing a legal framework for the return of irregular migrants. This will help to reduce the number of irregular migrants in both countries, and also reduce the number of deaths and injuries caused by dangerous migration routes.
Secondly, the agreement helps to improve the relationship between Greece and Turkey. The two countries have a history of tense relations, and the issue of irregular migration has been a point of contention in the past. This agreement is a step towards improving the relationship between the two countries.
Finally, the agreement is important as it helps to ensure that migrants who are returned are treated fairly and in accordance with their human rights. The agreement includes provisions for the protection of the rights of migrants, including the right to legal representation, the right to apply for asylum, and protection from expulsion to a country where their life or freedom may be at risk.
Conclusion
The Greece-Turkey bilateral readmission agreement is an important step towards addressing the issue of irregular migration between the two countries. The agreement provides a legal framework for the return of irregular migrants, helps to improve the relationship between the two countries, and ensures that migrants are treated fairly and in accordance with their human rights.