European Paradigm of the Protection of Aliens: Categorisation of Foreigners Seeking International Protection in the European Union

This article aims to present an analysis of the categorization of foreigners (aliens) seeking international protection in the European Union from the perspective of the European paradigm of the protection of aliens. Firstly, semantic issues related to understanding the concept of ‘foreigners’ will be presented. This element of the analysis will be crucial for further considerations, as by delineating definitional boundaries, it will determine the picture of identifiable categories of foreigners. Secondly, an outline of European Union legislation forming the legal basis for the main analysis will be presented. Attention will be focused on legal acts from which general and specific categories of foreigners seeking international protection in the European Union can be interpreted. Thirdly, general categories will be presented along with an explanation of their functions in law. Fourthly, specific categories will be presented along with an explanation of their functions in law at the stage of qualification, reception, and procedure. This paper will conclude with a concise summary containing recommendations and other conclusions.