EU/Cape Verde Readmissions Agreement

Wednesday 6th February 2013 Written Statements

[The Minister for Immigration (Mr Mark Harper)]

The Government have decided not to opt in at this stage to the draft Council decisions concerning the signature and conclusion of the agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Cape Verde on the readmission of persons residing without authorisation (European Union Document Nos. 14237/12, COM(2012) 558; 14235/12, COM(2012) 557).

There is little illegal migration from Cape Verde to the UK, and our existing good bilateral arrangements allow us to make returns there where necessary. It would be possible for the UK to seek to participate in the agreement post adoption if these circumstances were to change.