Fundamental rights situation of irregular immigrants in the European Union (FRIM)

December 2009 – March 2011
Overview Partners Outputs
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Overview

This collaborative research project aimed to examine key aspects of the situation of irregular immigrants in the European Union, in order to assess the extent to which their fundamental rights are respected and protected. Irregular migrants have no legal status and are therefore most vulnerable to exploitation and discrimination in key areas of social life. They are affected by formal barriers to the enjoyment and exercise of rights. More often, however, it is practical obstacles which discourage irregular immigrants to approach public service providers or courts for fear of being identified as irregular and consequently removed from the territory. This results, for instance, in persons in need of urgent medical treatment not seeking health care or victims of serious violations not seeking justice.

Areas covered by the research include health, housing, education, social care, employment status and fair working conditions and access to remedies against violations and abuse. Data collection was conducted by a consortium led by the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD). COMPAS researchers were responsible for producing individual reports that were subsequently reviewed and consolidated into a comprehensive, comparative report on the fundamental rights situation of irregular immigrants in the EU 27 Member States, published in November 2011. This report is designed to provide policymakers with a scientific basis with which to take actions required to ensure that the fundamental rights of irregular immigrants are protected.

Principal Investigator

Franck Düvell

Researchers

Bastian Vollmer

Funding

European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights (FRA)