This document is an excerpt from the EUR-Lex website
Centre for Information, Discussion and Exchange on the Crossing of Frontiers and Immigration (Cirefi)
1) OBJECTIVE
To assist the Member States in effectively studying legal immigration, in preventing illegal immigration and facilitator networks, in better detecting forged documents and in improving expulsion practice.
2) UNION MEASURES
Council Conclusions of 30 November 1994 on the organisation and development of the Centre for Information, Discussion and Exchange on the Crossing of Frontiers and Immigration (Cirefi).
Resolution of 27 May 1999, on the creation of an early warning system for the transmission of information on illegal immigration and facilitator networks.
3) CONTENTS
Cirefi was set up by a decision of the Ministers responsible for immigration on 30 November and 1 December 1992. In 1994, it was decided to expand its activities to include the collection of information on:
Cirefi also analyses the information compiled, draws conclusions and, when appropriate, gives advice and encourages the exchange of information relating to escort to borders (country of destination, carriers, rates, conditions of carriage, problems of obtaining return documents...)
Cirefi consists of experts from the Member States and meets every month with logistical back-up from the General Secretariat of the Council. In an emergency, the central departments of the Member States in question exchange information directly.
Cirefi submits an annual report on its activities to the Council, as well as other reports on request.
Early warning system on illegal immigration and facilitator networks
Since May 1999, an early warning system for the transmission of information on illegal immigration and facilitator networks has been operating under Cirefi. The following information is transmitted immediately:
Applicant countries may also participate in this early warning system simply by making a declaration to the General Secretariat of the Council.
4) deadline for implementation of the legislation in the member states
5) date of entry into force (if different from the above)
1 January 1995
6) references
Official Journal C 274, 19.09.1996
7) follow-up work
8) implementing measures