Irregular migration is a contested policy issue, involving conflicting values and perspectives, differing opinions about the nature and scope of the phenomenon, and debate about the impacts of policy options. This lack of consensus, in turn, has contributed to widely differing assessments of the size and characteristics of the irregular migrant population, as well as its observable trends, policy impacts and policy effectiveness. In order to address irregular migration, it is necessary to know more about the population of migrants in an irregular situation and its characteristics. Who is considered to be irregularly staying? What are the defining features of migrant irregularity? How should we understand migrants who do not have a regular legal status, but are not strictly irregular either? How is irregular movement linked to irregular stay? What can we say about the characteristics of the irregular migrant population? Which feasible political options can be developed to offer migrants pathways out of irregularity?
MIrreM’s overall objective was to provide a sound evidence basis for policies concerning irregular migration and regularisation.
To fulfil this objective the project comprises an extensive review of data, and policy analysis in 20 countries in Europe (AT, BE, BA, DE, EL, ES, FI, FR, IE, IT, NL, PL, PT, RS, TR, UK), North America (CA, US), and North Africa (MA, TN). MIrreM’s methods lab has developed and piloted innovative estimation approaches. Based on a review of regularisation policies, case studies of their implementation and effects, we have provided an extensive analysis on the relationship of regularisation to other policy options, including a typology of policy responses, access to regularisation, implementation, and effects of regularisation all of which guide stakeholders on available options in particular circumstances, as well as the implications of such policy options. The conclusions of the project have been summarised in two handbooks elaborated, the handbook on irregular migration data, and the handbook on regularisation policy, respectively.
