Asylum qualification directive
The Asylum Qualification Directive is a key element of a package envisaged at the Treaty of Amsterdam (1997). The treaty committed member states to a range of measures designed to establish minimum standards for asylum procedures and policies across the European Union as a first step towards a Common European Asylum System.
The directive broadly mirrors our current practice in the field of asylum and lays down rules on the recognition of refugees and others in need of international protection and the content of status given to such persons. This is intended to ensure that common criteria for the identification of persons genuinely in need of international protection are applied across member states and that a minimum level of benefits is available for those granted status.
The consultation paper discussed the provisions within the directive and invited comments on the Government's proposed implementation plans.
The summary of consultation responses summarises the responses received from consultees, and provides feedback on how those responses influenced the United Kingdom's implementation of the qualification directive.
Last Updated: 07 February 2008