In view of the serious consequences for applicants who have absconded or who are considered to be at risk of absconding, the meaning of absconding should be defined in view of encompassing both a deliberate action and the factual circumstance, which is not beyond the applicant’s control, of not remaining available to the competent administrative or judicial authorities, such as by leaving the territory of the Member State where the applicant is required to be present. Member States should be able to consider that an applicant has absconded even if the applicant has previously not been considered to be at risk of absconding.