CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Scope
Article 2
1
This Directive applies to third-country nationals staying illegally on the territory of a Member State.
2
Member States may decide not to apply this Directive to third-country nationals who:
a
are subject to a refusal of entry in accordance with Article 13 of the Schengen Borders Code, or who are apprehended or intercepted by the competent authorities in connection with the irregular crossing by land, sea or air of the external border of a Member State and who have not subsequently obtained an authorisation or a right to stay in that Member State;
b
are subject to return as a criminal law sanction or as a consequence of a criminal law sanction, according to national law, or who are the subject of extradition procedures.
3
This Directive shall not apply to persons enjoying the Community right of free movement as defined in Article 2(5) of the Schengen Borders Code.