The EU’s new migration and return rules raise important questions about what return policy can achieve in practice. Drawing on three and a half years of research across Europe and selected countries of origin, the FAiR Policy Handbook presents ten key takeaways for policymakers.
The findings highlight why agreements between countries do not automatically lead to cooperation, why human rights protections and trust matter for effective return governance, and why return rates alone are an incomplete measure of success. The Handbook also explores how involving returnees in policy design, investing in sustainable reintegration and considering alternatives such as regularisation can help address situations where return does not take place.
Together, the ten takeaways offer evidence-based insights and practical recommendations for more legitimate, accountable and effective return policies.