The purpose of this contract is twofold:

1. Study:

— to obtain an inventory detailing the legal requirements and conditions in the Member States and Schengen associated countries concerning the treatment of third-country nationals during periods for which return/removal has been postponed. Considering in particular the rights expressly mentioned in Article 14 of the Directive 2008/115/EC (family unity, health care, education, needs of vulnerable persons, papers) as well as other pertinent rights (such as access to the labour market and material reception conditions) not mentioned in Article 14 but in practice granted by Member States to this category of persons,

— to obtain an overview on the conditions under which Member States grant a right to legal stay to the category of persons covered by this study and on the rights afforded to the third-country nationals by these permits. If no permit is granted and individuals are tolerated only 'de facto', describe which rights are attached to such 'de facto' toleration,

— to evaluate the experiences of Member States/Schengen associated countries in the application of the rules mentioned above,

— to put in the study a particular emphasis on verifiable evidence and data.

2. Conference:

— to be planned and organised in Brussels inviting all States involved in the study and other stakeholders to learn about the outcomes of the study and to contribute by sharing experiences and best practice, as well as considering possible ways forward.