This study offers a comparative overview of the experiences and existing practices in the EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland regarding the possible consequences on international protection status for individuals who travel to or contact the authorities in their country of origin.
A beneficiary of international protection is a person who has been granted refugee status or subsidiary protection status. Beneficiaries of international protection have the right to travel outside the State that granted them protection, under certain conditions. They also have the right to travel to their country of origin. However, obtaining a national passport or travelling back to the country of origin could, in certain circumstances, indicate that the grounds for granting international protection no longer apply. This EMN study explores the policies and practices in 24 EU Member States, Norway and Switzerland regarding beneficiaries of international protection who travel back to their country of origin, or who have contact with authorities from these countries. The study also examines the motivations of the individuals in question, and how such cases would be assessed by the national authorities in the countries that granted them refugee status.
* French version of the EMN Flash was provided by EMN France.