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Pariat, M. “Externalisation of migration management, a need for clarification”. Brief, Jacques Delors Institute, May 2025

The externalisation of migration management is a component of the policies put in place by a given country to manage migration flows, in particular irregular arrivals. Although some practices like visa regimes, carriers’ sanctions or preclearance bordering methods could be considered as externalisation practices unilaterally put in place to prevent irregular arrivals, the current understanding refers to practices whereby countries faced with important arrival of migration movements attempt to transfer part or totality of the management of these arrivals outside of their borders. It is a rather large concept that includes various approaches, ranging from border management and prevention of irregular departures, processing of asylum claims and or returns to the country of origin.

It requires the collaboration and agreement of a third country, possibly of EU agencies (Frontex so far), and in some cases the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), International Organisation for Migration (IOM) or NGOs can be involved as well. It is accompanied by substantial financial support to the collaborating third country to cover the costs incurred but, beyond a mere contribution to the costs, it must be sufficiently attractive to convince the latter to engage in such a process.