Schengen Agreement Asylum Seekers

The Schengen Agreement, signed in 1985 and implemented in 1995, is a treaty that removed internal border controls within participating European countries. This agreement allows people to move freely within these countries without passports or other types of identification.

However, when it comes to asylum seekers, the Schengen Agreement has limitations. Asylum is a right that is granted to those fleeing persecution or other forms of danger in their home countries. As a result, a person seeking asylum may need to cross multiple borders before reaching a country where they can apply for asylum.

The Schengen Agreement makes it difficult for asylum seekers to travel through Europe, as it requires them to have the necessary documentation to cross borders. If an asylum seeker does not have the proper documentation, they can be detained or deported.

This has led to criticism of the Schengen Agreement, with many arguing that it places undue burden on asylum seekers who are fleeing life-threatening situations. Critics have called for changes to the agreement that would make it easier for asylum seekers to travel through Europe.

One potential solution is the implementation of humanitarian visas. These visas would allow asylum seekers to travel freely through Schengen countries in order to apply for asylum in the country that they choose. This would help to ensure that asylum seekers are not detained or deported while trying to reach a safe country.

Another potential solution is the establishment of reception centers at the border of each Schengen country. These centers would provide asylum seekers with temporary accommodation and other necessary support, while they wait for their asylum applications to be processed.

Regardless of the solution, it is clear that the Schengen Agreement needs to be reevaluated when it comes to asylum seekers. As the number of people fleeing conflict and persecution continues to rise, it is essential that we work to make the process of seeking asylum as safe and accessible as possible.