An analysis of the implementation of return counselling in European Union member states with a focus on Malta : voluntary return as a preferred option over forced return

Abstract

Scholars from the realm of public policy maintain that the stage of policy implementation within the policy cycle, refers to the process of goal achievement, and the approaches initiated for goal attainment. Nonetheless, objectives will only be achieved through effective policy implementation. Several scholars sought to formulate their own implementation theoretical framework, focusing on the required factors in attaining policy goals and objectives. The chosen theoretical framework encompasses several variables, which impact the overall policy implementation and performance. The study will directly refer to each pillar of the adopted framework, to analyse the implementation of return counselling and voluntary return in Malta. The European Union sustains that every year, hundreds of thousands of people are required to leave Member States’ territory and return to their country of origin, as they are staying irregularly. Yet nearly only 30% of these persons return to their home country. The European Union ensured to prioritise the return of illegal staying persons through the introduction of the Return Directive. Recently, the Strategy on voluntary return and reintegration was introduced to promote voluntary return, mainly through return counselling. In line with the Return Directive, the Maltese Government maintains that voluntary return should be prioritised over forced return. Throughout the years, Malta introduced several voluntary returns programmes, however, only recently return counselling was prioritised. Thus, through significant primary and secondary data research, the study analyses the implementation of return counselling in Malta, and its influence in encouraging voluntary return. Since Member States have their own voluntary return programmes and are in the liberty to choose their implementation methods, the study will comparatively analyse the implementation strategies used in Malta, with those of Finland and Germany.