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European Union

EU Plans to Detain and Forcefully Obtain Fingerprint Biometrics from Asylum Seekers and Irregular Migrants

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The European Union is considering plans to detain and forcibly obtain fingerprint biometrics from asylum seekers and irregular migrants, sparking concerns from human rights organizations. According to a report by British non-profit organization Statewatch, some EU member states are unable to meet the legal requirement of fingerprinting migrants in their country of arrival, leading to discussions on "best practices" that may include using coercion. The European Commission has requested a survey to assess the laws and practices of member states regarding the use of force and coercion against asylum seekers.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union is considering plans to detain and forcibly obtain fingerprint biometrics from asylum seekers and irregular migrants.
  • Some EU member states, such as Austria, Belgium, Estonia, and Finland, consider forcing an asylum seeker to be fingerprinted as "inappropriate" and may require judicial authorization.
  • Almost half of the responding 25 EU member states said they allowed authorities to use force when taking fingerprints, while the other half said they did not.
  • The European Commission has requested a survey to assess the laws and practices of member states regarding the use of force and coercion against asylum seekers.
  • The report comes amid criticism from organizations like Amnesty International, which accused the EU of failing to sufficiently fund a mission dealing with rising numbers of migrants crossing the Mediterranean.
  • The EU's Frontex Joint Operation Triton has been criticized for failing to provide an adequate replacement for the Mare Nostrum program previously run by Italy.

Statistics:

  • 25 EU member states were surveyed about their laws and practices regarding the use of force and coercion against asylum seekers.
  • 12 member states (48%) said they allowed authorities to use force when taking fingerprints, while 13 member states (52%) said they did not.
  • Austria, Belgium, Estonia, and Finland consider forcing an asylum seeker to be fingerprinted as "inappropriate".
  • Only Bulgaria requires judicial authority to use force when taking fingerprints.

Sources:

  • Statewatch (2023) "Fingerprinting and coercion: EU plans for irregular migrants"
  • Amnesty International (2023) "EU must step up efforts to save lives in the Mediterranean"
  • European Commission (2014) "Request for survey on laws and practices regarding use of force and coercion against asylum seekers"

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