Foreign Nationals in Prison and Probation Workshop (2024)

EuroPris, in collaboration with the Confederation of European Probation (CEP) and hosted by the Federal Ministry of Justice of Austria, held a workshop addressing one of the most significant issues facing European prison systems today - Foreign National Offenders (FNOs).

As migration and global political shifts continue to impact Europe, the number and proportion of FNOs in prisons are rising, bringing unique challenges to prison and probation services. That being said, an FNO in one country is a citizen imprisoned abroad in another. This dual perspective is central to the work of EuroPris’ Foreign Nationals in Prison and Probation (FNPP) Expert Group.

The workshop was held on 29-30 October 2024, bringing together professionals from across Europe, including those in prison, probation, and NGOs, to engage in presentations, discussions, and knowledge-sharing on this increasingly important area of criminal justice policy.

One of the objectives of the workshop was to prepare an update version of the "Good Practice Manual for Working with Foreign Prisoners", ensuring compliance with the Council of Europe CM/Rec 2012(12).

Another objective was to foster cooperation and information exchange between national and international agencies and groups supporting prisoners abroad and their families, and to collaborate with both governmental and non-governmental bodies that provide crucial support to those individuals.

The aim is to enhance the welfare of foreign nationals imprisoned outside their country of residence by facilitating their social reintegration. 

The workshop provided insights into the practical experiences of the participating countries. 

By raising awareness of the problems of FNOs, efforts are made to support the welfare and interests of FNOs confined outside their home countries, to improve their stay from prison entry to dismissal, as well as their rehabilitation and social reintegration.