20h 44min, dec 26, 2008 y - Directive 2008/115/EC: Maximum time limit of detention to 18 months.

Description:

Article 16: "The use of detention for the purpose of removal should be limited and subject to the principle of proportionality with regard to the means used and objectives pursued. Detention is justified only to prepare the return or carry out the removal process and if the application of less coercive measures would not be sufficient." / Article 5: "Detention shall be maintained for as long a period as the conditions laid down in paragraph 1 are fulfilled and it is necessary to ensure successful removal. Each Member State shall set a limited period of detention, which may not exceed six months." / Article 6: "Member States may not extend the period referred to in paragraph 5 except for a limited period not exceeding a further twelve months in accordance with national law in cases where regardless of all their reasonable efforts the removal operation is likely to last longer owing to:
(a) a lack of cooperation by the third-country national concerned, or
(b) delays in obtaining the necessary documentation from third countries." --> Nobody should be detained for immigration matters for longer than 18 months. ==> Most countries have agreed on a much shorter time frame, from 45 days in France to 90 days in Italy.